Barcelona eye Stunning move for Chelsea youngster who hasn’t played a game yet

Barcelona eye move for Chelsea youngster Andrey Santos as a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets... with the Brazilian yet to make an appearance for Blues

Barcelona have Chelsea teenager Andrey Santos among their list of possible targets as a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.

Barca boss Xavi and sporting director Deco are both keen on the deal and representatives of the two clubs are understood to have discussed the idea.

Benfica and Porto have also shown interest in a loan move for the 19-year-old midfielder but Chelsea’s new boss Mauricio Pochettino wants a closer look at him as he assesses all his options.

Santos is currently in pre-season training with Pochettino’s squad at Cobham after clearing work permit problems that delayed the start to his career at Stamford Bridge upon his £18million transfer from Vasco da Gama in January.

After returning on loan to Vasco in March, he has been cleared for a UK work permit, although this has not stopped clubs testing Chelsea’s resolve, aware they are looking to slim down their squad.

Chelsea already look light in midfield following the departures of Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and N'Golo Kante. 

Barcelona have seized on the uncertainty as they look to restock midfield after the departure of stalwart Busquets to Inter Miami, and this appears to be the most serious and significant approach so far.

Since his move to Chelsea, Santos has been called into the senior squad and represented Brazil at the Under-20 World Cup, where they lost to Israel in the quarter-finals last month. 

The midfielder made his senior appearance for Brazil after coming off the bench in their 2-1 friendly loss to Morocco in March.  

Reflecting on his time so far with the senior squad, the central midfielder said: 'It is an incredible experience. A dream come true, I'm very happy.

'I feel at home, they welcomed me very well. Being at Casemiro's side, at the side of an idol, is a dream for me. I'm living a dream, and it's helping me a lot.

'And I hope to be able to reciprocate his help on the field and the experience he gave me too.'