Manchester United asked Chelsea about a deal to sign midfielder Andrey Santos during talks for Alejandro Garnacho, according to GIVEMESPORT correspondent Ben Jacobs.
The Reds have spent the summer bolstering their forward options by signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, while a host of players have been sidelined from the squad - including Argentina star Garnacho.
So far a deal hasn't materialised despite strong interest from Stamford Bridge, and personal terms being agreed, but United are also keen to add to their midfield department and have looked to kill two birds with one stone during talks.
Man Utd Ask for Santos During Garnacho Talks
strasbourg midfielder andrey santos
Santos, who has been described as a 'superstar', shone for Strasbourg in the 2024/25 season while on loan from Chelsea, and has returned to Stamford Bridge this summer to become part of Enzo Maresca's squad.
Ruben Amorim has been keen to add a new central midfielder to the squad, and initially targeted a move to sign Brighton star Carlos Baleba. However, the Seagulls ruled out any transfer this summer and that has seen United chiefs begin to look at alternative options.
While appearing on The United Stand YouTube channel, Jacobs revealed that United raised the possibility of a move to sign the Brazil international during talks with Chelsea about a deal for Garnacho, but ultimately they led to nothing as the west London club don't want to sell.
"What I can tell you is that when discussions have been ongoing for Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea, Andrey Santos has been spoken about.
"I don't think it's going to lead anywhere, because Chelsea don't want to sell. That's another player, though, that Manchester United appreciate. It's nothing more than that at this stage."
With a deal for Baleba ruled out until next summer at the earliest and Chelsea not keen on selling Santos, United will have to keep looking at new options to strengthen the midfield, or instead wait until next year with their current options.
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