It is looking more and more likely that Newcastle United are going to miss out on signing Andrey Santos to Chelsea.
The 18-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park, but it now appears that Graham Potter’s side have jumped the queue and are going to agree a deal with Vasco da Gama.
It was reported on Tuesday night by 90min that Chelsea will pay an initial £12million for Santos. However, the fee could rise to £20million with add-ons.
Now reports surrounding Santos’ contract at Stamford Bridge are emerging, making it all but certain that he is heading to London when the January transfer window opens.
Andrey Santos to sign five-year contract with Chelsea
According to Goal, the Brazilian midfielder is now set to sign a five-year contract with Chelsea. They add that Vasco are prepared to let him leave next month, with a deal now close.
This is a major blow for Newcastle, who have been linked with Santos ever since the summer. The Magpies are reportedly hoping to tap into the South American market, and believed Bruno Guimaraes could help them bring Santos to St James’ Park.
That was certainly a possibility, as the teenager is a big fan of Newcastle’s number 39. He recently called him ‘phenomenal‘ in an interview with Lance.
There was reportedly confidence of a deal being struck, with 90min stating in October that Dan Ashworth and co believed they could agree a transfer before January.
But now it is Chelsea who are closing in – and that is a real shame. Santos is a star of the future, and would have been a great addition to PIF’s project at St James’ Park.
It would have been another statement too, with Newcastle looking to snap up some of the world’s best youngsters.
However, they are set to miss out to Chelsea, who appear to be getting themselves a bargain at an initial £12million.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
