Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Los Angeles Galaxy.
When the Blues completed a deal for the Vasco da Gama youngster at the turn of the year, the hope was that he would eventually be awarded a work permit in order to remain at the Premier League giants.
However, despite his participation for Brazil at the Under-20 South American Championship, there was always the possibility of that request being denied.
That is what has occurred on two occasions, Chelsea and Santos now having little choice but to arrange a loan deal to boost their chances of success with their next application.
At one stage, it appeared that the 18-year-old would link up with Palmeiras, that move ticking two boxes with Chelsea with the interested party in Brazil's top flight and having qualified for the Copa Libertadores.
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That soon became a transfer which would not materialise with Palmeiras not being willing to meet Chelsea's conditions with regards to a temporary arrangement.
The West Londoners are insistent on Santos linking up with Brazil for the Under-20 World Cup in May and having the option to recall him at the start of July.
Nevertheless, according to GOAL, LA Galaxy and Santos's former club Vasco da Gama are both prepared to fulfil that criteria to get a transfer over the line.
The former are keen to build on their fourth-placed finish in the Western Conference and appearance in the Conference semi-finals during 2022.
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Instead, the report states that Santos does not want to ply his trade in the MLS, deeming the league to be below the standard that he desires as he bids to continue his progression.
As for Vasco da Gama, Santos is allegedly happy to remain at a club that he helped earn promotion to the top flight during the last campaign.
The teenager is yet to play in the first tier of Brazilian football and earning regular football in his homeland is seemingly his preferred option.
One potential stumbling block is the new league season not getting underway until April, with Vasco da Gama only having a handful of cup fixtures before then.
Darren Plant
