Chelsea and Newcastle battling it out for teenage midfielder

The Chelsea stars that aren’t involved in the World Cup were back in training this week, ahead of the return of the Premier League on Boxing Day. 

Graham Potter’s side were in woeful form prior to domestic football being paused last month, having lost three league games on the bounce.

The Blues haven’t won in five Premier League games, and Potter will therefore be desperate to return to winning ways against Nottingham Forest on December 26.

In the meantime, Chelsea are reportedly rivalling Newcastle United for the signing of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, according to 90min.

The report claims that both of the Premier League sides are interested in the 18-year-old, who currently plays for Brazilian second division side Vasco da Gama.

The teenager has been a target for The Magpies for more than a year now, and they began talks with his agents over the summer, although their pursuit hasn’t gone entirely to plan.

Chukwuemeka was one of several youngsters signed by Chelsea over the summer

Eddie Howe’s side were reportedly intent on agreeing a deal for Santos to sign in January, however they are yet to find an agreement and that has allowed Chelsea, as well as Spanish giants Barcelona, to enter the race for the midfielder.

Barcelona are reported to have made an approach for the player, although they are keen to sign him next summer, as opposed to in January.

Santos, who is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Brazilian football, has scored eight goals in 37 senior appearances for Vasco da Gama.

Since taking charge of the club, new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has invested heavily in signing young talents for the future, with the likes of Carney Chukwuemeka and Gabriel Slonina having been signed over the summer.

The Blues are also set to rival Barcelona for the signing of Santos’ fellow Brazilain wonderkid Endrick, who currently plays for Palmeiras.

Real Madrid are also believed to be interested in Endrick, 16, who has scored three goals in seven first team appearances.