Manchester United have agreed a 50 million pounds deal with fellow Premier League club, Chelsea for their Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos.
The BBC reports that the deal has progressed quickly in the past few hours after United made their interest known over the weekend.
The Red Devils will pay an initial 48 million pounds for Santos, with an additional 2 million pounds in what has been described described as achievable add-ons.
Chelsea have also negotiated a 10% sell-on clause.
Santos has been cleared for a medical, with compatriot, Ederson also scheduled to have one before completing his 35 million pounds move from Italian side, Atalanta following Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup.
Santos is set to become Chelsea’s third significant departure of the summer after Marc Cucurella was sold to Real Madrid and Tyrique George left for Everton.
The news Santos moving to Old Trafford comes as United’s senior players prepare to return for pre-season training on Thursday and goes part way to addressing what was becoming a major issue.
Manchester United prioritised central midfield this summer following the exit of Casemiro when the veteran former Real Madrid star’s contract came to an end.
Manuel Ugarte was set to be sold but the Uruguay international has been ruled out for an extended period with cruciate knee ligament damage.
United were also keen on signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest but their hopes faded when it became apparent it would cost in excess of 110 million pounds.
They then turned their attention to West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes but he joined Tottenham instead after the North London outfit offered a guaranteed 85 million pounds.
With Kobbie Mainoo still at the World Cup with England, United faced opening their pre-season campaign against Wrexham in Helsinki on July 18 with Mason Mount as the only recognised senior midfielder in Michael Carrick’s squad.