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Manchester United have revived their pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos after missing out on their top transfer priorities, according to recent reports.

Over the course of just three days last week, United witnessed two Premier League rivals – Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur – finalise high-value signings for three midfielders who were on the radar at Old Trafford.

Heading into the summer transfer window, Elliot Anderson was viewed as the primary option to succeed Casemiro, whose contract expired last month. However, Nottingham Forest’s steep asking price pushed United away, leaving Manchester City free to capture the 23-year-old England international.

Another target under serious consideration was Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, aged 26, but the Magpies also placed a hefty valuation to deter interest. Consequently, United shifted their attention to West Ham United’s young talent Mateus Fernandes.

Yet again, the Red Devils were beaten to the signing, as Tottenham Hotspur showed greater willingness to meet West Ham’s £85 million demand for the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder. Spurs then followed that move with a £100 million agreement for Tonali, while Manchester City simultaneously confirmed their £116 million acquisition of Anderson.

Although United continue to hold a long-term interest in Real Madrid’s French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, there is an internal understanding that securing him would be unrealistic. Therefore, INEOS have turned to secondary options, including Bournemouth’s creative playmaker Alex Scott and LOSC Lille’s rising star Ayyoud Bouaddi.

Chelsea’s 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos has now emerged as one of the more attainable names on United’s list. The player is reportedly frustrated with limited playing time at Stamford Bridge.

Used mainly as a substitute behind Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, Santos has still managed to impress when given opportunities. His combination of strength, energy, and technical skill makes him a natural fit for the intensity of the Premier League.

According to The Guardian, Chelsea value Santos "in the region of £50 million." The midfielder is said to be open to a move this summer, with Newcastle United also showing interest.

The Blues are reportedly aiming to generate transfer funds to support new head coach Xabi Alonso’s plans to reinforce the squad. Alonso is believed to want a reunion with Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, with whom he enjoyed great success at Bayer Leverkusen.

Manchester United maintain a strong working relationship with Chelsea, having previously completed deals involving Alejandro Garnacho last summer and Mason Mount two years earlier. If an offer matching the £50 million valuation is submitted – which is reportedly expected – it would likely be accepted by both Santos and Chelsea.

Despite being open to his departure, Chelsea still rate Santos highly. Liam Rosenior, who coached him at Strasbourg before their moves to west London, has praised the Brazilian’s maturity and football intelligence in glowing terms.

“Andrey plays like he’s 32. I call him Dunga: he’s Brazilian, but he doesn’t play like one. He’s incredibly smart and his statistics are outstanding – from goal contributions to duels won. He’s destined for an exceptional career,” Rosenior said last year. The 41-year-old coach was dismissed by Chelsea in April after a short three-month tenure.

If Manchester United can finalise a £50 million deal for Santos – a significantly cheaper option compared to their other targets – it could turn out to be a smart piece of business for the long term.