Chelsea star close to agreeing return to former club

Chelsea’s poor run of form dragged on as they were beaten 2-0 by rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues have now won just two of their last 15 Premier League matches and sit tenth in the table, closer on points to the relegation zone than they are to the top four.

Manager Graham Potter is understandably finding himself under increasing pressure, with sections of the club’s supporters calling for the ex-Brighton and Hove Albion boss to be sacked.

The Englishman has been handed a number of new big-money signings since he took charge of the club, but his side’s performances have been well below par and Chelsea’s chances of securing a place in any European competition next term look slim.

Now, one of Chelsea’s newest signings is reportedly on the verge of leaving the club.

As per Fabrizio Romano, midfielder Andrey Santos is close to agreeing a return to Brazilian second division side Vasco de Gama, just weeks after leaving the club.

The 18-year-old joined Chelsea from Vasco last month, but had his work permit application rejected and is therefore unable to play in the Premier League this season.

Santos starred at the Under-20 South American Championships

With that in mind, The Blues have been trying to secure the teenager a loan move to ensure he continues to play regularly, but a proposed move to Palmeiras fell through.

The Brazilian top flight side were reportedly unwilling to agree to Chelsea’s terms, which included allowing Santos to take part in the Under-20 World Cup later this year.

Santos captained Brazil to the Under-20 South American Championship title earlier this month, scoring six goals in eight games.

The deal for Santos to return to Vasco is said to be almost complete, with a medical lined up soon.

The midfielder scored a total of eight goals in 37 games for his former side before leaving the club last month, and he is now set to rejoin Vasco after the Brazilian side agreed to Chelsea’s terms.

Santos, who was also said to be the subject of interest from MLS clubs, will therefore return to London in the summer and play at the World Cup.