Manchester United have struck a deal with Chelsea to sign Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos in a move worth up to £50m.

The move accelerated when United declared their interest over the weekend, with both clubs swiftly settling the outline of the switch ahead of the new season.

United bolster midfield options with Santos deal

United will pay an initial £48m, with a further £2m in performance-related add-ons under the terms of the deal. The contract also includes a 10 per cent sell-on clause for Chelsea.

Santos has now been granted the go-ahead to have a physical ahead of a move to Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old will be United’s first major summer midfield capture as the club attempts to rebuild following the departure of Casemiro at the conclusion of his contract.

United’s need for reinforcements worsened with the news that Manuel Ugarte has sustained a cruciate knee ligament injury that is expected to keep the Uruguay international out for a lengthy period.

After missing transfer targets, Santos deal

Manchester United considered moves for a number of midfielders before settling on a deal for Santos.

The club cooled its interest in Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson when it became evident a deal would cost more than £110m.

United had also looked at West Ham’s midfield player Mateus Fernandes but Tottenham won the race for his contract after offering a guaranteed £85million.

United started pre-season with limited senior options in midfield with Kobbie Mainoo still on World Cup duty with England.

Carrick’s team will restart training this week ahead of their pre-season campaign which kicks off with a game against Wrexham in Helsinki on July 18.

Santos is anticipated to join Brazilian teammate Ederson, who is also due for a medical ahead of a possible £35million move from Atalanta after Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup.

Chelsea’s sale of Santos is part of a busy summer of departures at Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian midfielder is the third important departure at the club after the completed sale of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid and Tyrique George to Everton.