According to journalist Marco Alcaraz, Newcastle made a late attempt to sign the Brazilian within the last day before Manchester United secured the player. Newcastle reportedly matched Chelsea's asking price and offered Santos a more lucrative salary package in an attempt to disrupt the transfer. However, Alcaraz claims the midfielder made the Red Devils his clear priority, a decision that impressed the hierarchy at Old Trafford and convinced them to speed up negotiations to ensure the deal was completed before Newcastle could make further progress.

Newcastle United are monitoring Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos and face competition from Manchester United, who according to The Guardian have now focused their interest on the player. The 22-year-old is reportedly open to leaving Stamford Bridge for more regular playing time, and Chelsea have set a £50m asking price to raise funds for new manager Xabi Alonso. Santos joined Chelsea in January 2023 from Vasco da Gama, and his contract runs until 2030.