Huge blow for Liverpool as Romano confirms target will sign "long-term deal" with Chelsea instead

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Brazil starlet Andrey Santos - with the player previously being linked with a move to Liverpool.

A report in The Times claimed that the Reds were involved in the race to sign the 18-year-old, who plays for Vasco da Gama in his home nation.

But they reported that Chelsea were leading the chase, as part of their new strategy to target younger players in the market initiated by owner Todd Boehly.

The midfielder made 36 appearances in all competitions for Vasca across 2022, netting eight goals. He has represented Brazil at U16 and U20 level. Primarily a tough-tackling midfielder, Santos is clearly adept at finding the net as well.

And while Liverpool were seemingly keen on making a move for the youngster, Romano has confirmed that Chelsea have won the race.

Romano reveals Chelsea agreement for Liverpool target

He wrote: "Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos will arrive in London today to undergo medical tests and then sign long-term contract with Chelsea. €12.5m deal has been signed with Vasco da Gama.

"No loan back to Vasco, at the moment he's staying and then decision will be made."

Santos could have a role to play immediately for the Blues, with Graham Potter's side facing a small crisis in midfield.

N'Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are both currently injured, whilst Mateo Kovacic is being re-introduced to the squad following the World Cup, where he reached the semi-finals, and a third-place play-off, with Croatia.

On Wednesday, the Blues confirmed the £8m signing of David Datro Fofana from Molde - the former club of Erling Haaland.

The 20-year-old, who netted 21 goals for his club side in the Norwegian top flight last season, will join on January 1. It is unclear at this stage whether he will play a part for Potter's side this season or go out on loan, given the knee injury suffered by Armando Broja during a mid-World Cup friendly against Aston Villa.