Man Utd now showing interest in Chelsea player following Elliot Anderson setback
Manchester United have reportedly turned their attention to Chelsea's Andrey Santos after facing a setback in their pursuit of Elliot Anderson.
United's search for a replacement for Casemiro appears to be picking up pace, with the club casting a wide net as they look to strengthen midfield options ahead of the new season.
Anderson had been viewed as a top target, but it seems his preference for Man City has pushed United to explore other options. They already have an extensive list of over 10 midfielders under consideration.
Santos has now joined that group, according to a report from HITC. The Brazilian midfielder spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest but made just 11 appearances in the Premier League. Forest held an option to buy, but chose not to take it up.
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Ben Jacobs, speaking on the United Stand YouTube channel, has revealed that one of the midfielders under consideration is Chelsea's Andrey Santos.
He said: "The only other name that I've heard, and I'll kind of repeat it from the Garnacho talks, is Andrey Santos.
"And right now, I think less likely than it was when Man United and Chelsea were negotiating over Alejandro Garnacho because at that point, Santos was not really getting game time. And now he's playing under a manager who knows him really well from Strasbourg .
"And as a consequence, Chelsea's not for sale stance, which was said at the time when they were talking over Alejandro Garnacho, is probably one that you would expect them to double down on heading into the summer."
If Anderson and Tonali are ruled out of contention, there's every chance the Brazilian will become a serious consideration.
Manchester United have shown interest in Santos before, with the Chelsea midfielder seen as one of the more exciting young talents in the league.
The Brazilian's playing style draws comparisons to Casemiro, especially when it comes to his tough tackling and ability on the ball.
At 21, he has established himself as a strong presence in midfield. His work rate and duel-winning ability would add valuable depth behind Kobbie Mainoo and any other new arrivals.
While Santos is still developing his game, his attributes align well with what United are seeking. There's real potential for him to become a standout player in the league.
Even at this early stage of his career, he has shown enough promise that United should consider making a move if he becomes available.
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