Man Utd eye Andrey Santos as Casemiro successor amid Elliot Anderson transfer blow

"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."

"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."

"Santos might not be an immediate top contender, but should Anderson and Tonali be off the shortlist, there is every chance the Brazilian gets looked at closely."

Manchester United is actively searching for midfield reinforcements to replace Casemiro this summer. Elliot Anderson, the top priority, is reportedly leaning toward Manchester City, prompting United to explore alternatives from a list of over 10 midfielders. Andrey Santos from Chelsea has emerged as a potential target. However, Santos is considered less likely to leave Chelsea now compared to earlier negotiations, as he is receiving regular playing time under a manager familiar with him from Strasbourg. Chelsea is expected to maintain a firm stance against selling Santos. Additionally, United's interest in Sandro Tonali may prove unsuccessful as the midfielder dreams of returning to Italy. Should Anderson and Tonali become unavailable, Santos could receive closer consideration as a replacement option.

Read at United In Focus