Manchester United have sent a clear message to Chelsea regarding the transfer fee for midfield target Andrey Santos. The Red Devils are reportedly unwilling to meet the £50m valuation placed on the Brazilian international by the Blues.
United identify Santos as alternative after missing primary targets
Michael Carrick's side have expressed interest in signing Santos after missing out on Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes. England World Cup star Anderson is joining Manchester City in a deal worth £116m, while Tottenham have signed Fernandes from West Ham for £85m. United pulled out of the race for Anderson after discovering City were willing to pay over £100m, and they also gave Spurs a free run at Fernandes due to concerns over the deal's price.
Old Trafford bosses have identified Santos as an alternative to their former targets and are weighing up an official move for the Chelsea midfielder. However, according to the Daily Mail, United have already indicated they are unwilling to meet Chelsea's £50m asking price, potentially forcing the London club to slash that valuation.
Santos' situation at Chelsea and United's midfield needs
Santos joined Chelsea from Brazilian club Vasco da Gama in 2023 but only became a regular last season. Despite featuring consistently, his long-term prospects at Stamford Bridge appear bleak as he sits behind Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the pecking order. As a result, Santos is reportedly open to leaving Chelsea.
Midfield reinforcements are a priority for United after Casemiro left at the end of the season. Additionally, Manuel Ugarte will be sidelined for a substantial period after suffering a horror injury at the World Cup, although Carrick was already open to offers for the Uruguayan.
Potential twist: Fernandez departure could keep Santos at Chelsea
Santos could be granted a more prominent role at Chelsea if Fernandez secures a summer move away from west London. The Argentine World Cup winner is keen to join Real Madrid, but that deal looks increasingly doubtful despite Jose Mourinho sanctioning a move.
United were first linked with Santos last summer but ultimately decided against signing a new midfielder, instead focusing on three attacking players. Now, with midfield needs pressing, Santos has re-emerged as a target, though the fee remains a sticking point.
