Newcastle United are set to miss out on Andrey Santos as a charm offensive by Chelsea appears to have won the race for his signature.
The Magpies have been linked with a host of South American players in recent months.
From Brazilian wingers Eguinaldo and Jeffinho to Velez Sarsfield midfielder Maximo Perrone, it seems that Newcastle are looking towards South America.
One deal that looked to be teed up for January was the signing of Vasco da Gama midfielder Andrey Santos.
90Min reported in October that Newcastle were confident of signing Santos having chased him for more than a year.
Add in that Santos is represented by Bertolucci Sports, the same agency as Bruno Guimaraes, and Newcastle seemingly felt positive about a January deal.
Chelsea to win race for Newcastle target Santos
Sadly for Newcastle, it looks like they have been gazumped in the race for the 18-year-old.
Lucas Pedrosa, one of the top sources in Brazil, reports that Santos has now chosen Chelsea as his next club.
Pedrosa claims that Chelsea called the player’s representatives every single day to try and score a deal.
Pedrosa adds that whilst Newcastle have plenty of money, their sporting projects is still behind the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.
City themselves tried to sign Santos, but he feared being like Douglas Luiz and Kayky – being signed and being loaned out.
Chelsea have seemingly offered to develop Santos ‘carefully’ and the Blues are now in the driving seat to complete a deal.
A talented midfielder with eight goals in 33 Serie B games for Vasco, teenager Santos has been backed for stardom.
This expected move continues Chelsea’s push for young talent after summer deals for Omari Hutchinson, Cesare Casadei, Careny Chukwuemeka and Gabriel Slonina.
Newcastle will have to go back to the drawing board in search of a young midfielder, with Perrone possibly coming back into focus for the Magpies.
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