Manchester United have struck a £50m agreement with Chelsea to sign Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, with the deal coming together in a matter of hours after United registered their interest over the weekend.

The fee structure consists of an initial £48m, with a further £2m in add-ons described as achievable. Chelsea have also secured a 10 percent sell-on clause as part of the arrangement.

Medical clearance and more incomings

Santos has been cleared for a medical at United. His compatriot Ederson is also due to undergo a medical before finalising his £35m transfer from Atalanta — a move that accelerated after Brazil were eliminated from the World Cup.

Filling a midfield void

The acquisition addresses a pressing concern for manager Michael Carrick. United entered the summer with central midfield as a priority after Casemiro departed when his contract expired. The situation worsened when Manuel Ugarte was ruled out for an extended spell due to cruciate knee ligament damage.

United had explored alternatives. A move for Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest was abandoned when it emerged the fee would surpass £110m. West Ham's Mateus Fernandes was also targeted, but he chose Tottenham after the north London club tabled a guaranteed £85m package.

With Kobbie Mainoo still involved with England at the World Cup, United faced the prospect of heading into their pre-season opener against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July with Mason Mount as their only recognised senior midfielder available.

Significant exits from Stamford Bridge

Santos is set to become Chelsea's third high-profile departure of the summer. Marc Cucurella has already joined Real Madrid, while Tyrique George moved to Everton. United's senior squad are due to return for pre-season training on Thursday.