Manchester United close in on Chelsea deal for Andrey Santos | OneFootball

Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, with reports claiming the clubs have agreed a deal worth up to £50 million.

The Red Devils are set to pay an initial £48m, with a further £2m in achievable add-ons, while Chelsea have also negotiated a 10% sell-on clause. Santos has reportedly been cleared to undergo a medical ahead of completing the move to Old Trafford.

United identified central midfield as a priority after Casemiro's departure and Manuel Ugarte's long-term knee injury left Michael Carrick short of options. Having missed out on Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, the club turned its attention to the Brazilian.

Santos is believed to have welcomed the move in search of regular first-team football, with competition from Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández limiting his opportunities at Stamford Bridge.

The 22-year-old joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in 2023 and, after loan spells with Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg, made 43 appearances last season, scoring three goals and providing four assists.