Newcastle United were always going to need to strengthen their squad in this summer transfer window. And that rings even truer now that they have seen key players like Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali leave the club.
Gordon left for Barcelona. The Magpies have already found a potential replacement for him though. At least they would have been hoping so, as they agreed a reported €50 million deal to sign Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim, a record move for the German club.
Newcastle United have yet to replace Tonali though. The Italian recently completed a £100 million move to Tottenham Hotspur. Naturally, finding a replacement for him will not be simple.
The Magpies have been linked with a variety of players in that regard. Unfortunately for them, Manchester United have already agreed a deal for one such player.
Manchester United have reached an agreement to sign Newcastle United-linked midfielder
According to the highly reliable David Ornstein, Manchester United have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Andrey Santos. The deal for the midfielder is worth a £48 million fixed fee plus £2 million in easily achievable add-ons, alongside a 10% sell-on clause.
Santos has already been given permission to undergo a medical with Manchester United. Personal terms are already in place with the Brazilian midfielder.
It was just earlier this week that Newcastle United had been linked with a move for Santos. But now, that is no longer a possibility on the table.
Why Newcastle United missed out on a quality talent
It remains to be seen who the Magpies eventually end up bringing in in that area of the pitch. But someone like Santos would have been a decent addition.
Santos did not do a ton at Chelsea last season. But then again, that can be said about pretty much all of their players at this point in time.
The Brazilian had shown a ton of potential in the season before that, when he was sent out on loan to French side Strasbourg. If that version of Santos shows up, he can be a difference-maker for Man Utd next season.
