Man Utd 'line up' surprise move for Chelsea star after Mateus Fernandes joins Spurs

Manchester United are lining up a surprise raid on Chelsea after missing out on the signing of Mateus Fernandes, it has been reported.

Midfield is a key area of focus for United during the summer transfer window, with Casemiro's departure as a free agent and the serious knee injury suffered by Manuel Ugarte at the World Cup.

It was widely accepted that United were already a player short in that part of the pitch last season, and they acted early in agreeing a £35 million deal with Atalanta to sign Brazil's Ederson.

The 25-year-old was a late injury call-up to his nation's World Cup squad, meaning that signing is not expected to be fully completed and announced until later in July.

United were interested in signing Mateus Fernandes from relegated West Ham, but Spurs had a bid of £85 million accepted to sign the Portugal international.

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According to the Manchester Evening News, United were simply not willing to match Spurs' valuation and had to admit defeat in their pursuit as a result.

It is said that the club 'remain confident' that they can secure deals for other midfielders, and were also not certain as to what Fernandes' preferred club was during initial discussions with the player's entourage.

United prepare surprise move for Chelsea midfielder

Their transfer search, it appears, has taken them as far as Stamford Bridge, with The Guardian reporting that United are lining up a surprise swoop for Andrey Santos.

Santos spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, where he worked under future Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior.

He made 43 appearances in all competitions last season upon his return to Chelsea, and was part of the squad that won the Club World Cup under Enzo Maresca.

The 22-year-old was not named in Brazil's World Cup squad but does have six senior international caps to his name since making his debut in 2023.

The Guardian report that Santos is 'open' to leaving Chelsea after accepting that his minutes will again be limited behind Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the pecking order.

Andrey Santos made 27 Premier League appearances for Chelsea last season (Image: Getty)

Chelsea's unsuccessful pursuit of Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka - the Swiss midfielder is staying at the Stadium of Light - shows they are keen on adding to their midfield, and any signing there could make Santos surplus to requirements.

As it stands, though, the Blues are said to be demanding £50 million from interested clubs to sell the Brazilian, who they signed from Vasco da Gama in 2023.

Primarily a defensive midfielder, Santos also possesses a goal threat, and netted 12 goals in 45 matches for Strasbourg during his eventual 18-month loan spell there.

Should United's interest progress any further, he would become the second senior player to leave Chelsea on a permanent transfer this summer after Marc Cucurella agreed to sign for Real Madrid in June.

The Spain international, who is currently at the World Cup, officially completed his £47.5 million move to the Bernabeu on July 1 and Chelsea swiftly signed Atalanta and Italy wing-back Marco Pelestra as his replacement for around £47 million.