Chelsea and Barcelona challenging Newcastle for Brazilian star

Chelsea and Barcelona are rivalling Newcastle United to land Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, sources have confirmed to 90min.

The 18-year-old has been on Newcastle’s radar for more than 12 months and the Magpies have been talking with his club, Vasco da Gama, since the summer window.

Newcastle, who are also keen on his team-mate Eguinaldo, believe Santos is one of the best young players in Brazil and were hoping to tie up a deal for January.

However, as a deal was not struck with Newcastle, that has allowed Vasco to engage in talks and sources have told 90min that both Chelsea and Barcelona have made approaches.

While being in the market for some of the world’s most high-profile players, Chelsea’s new owners are keen to make sure they are in contention for the best young talent.

They have shown this by their pursuit of Palmeiras striker Endrick, wanted by Real Madrid and PSG, and Dynamo Moscow’s Arsen Zakharyan, but also the summer captures of teenagers Cesare Casadei and Carney Chukwuemeka.

Chelsea have now made a move for Santos and have opened talks with Vasco, and hope they can win the race for his coveted signature. Barcelona have also made an approach with a view to a move in the summer, rather than January.

Competing in the second division of Brazilian football in his first full senior campaign, he has eight goals from 33 matches playing at the base of his team’s midfield.