Chelsea fail with work permit application for Andrey Santos

Chelsea have failed with their second work permit application for January signing Andrey Santos, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues signed the midfielder from Brazilian second tier side Vasco da Gama last month but he was deemed ineligible for a work permit.

The London giants reapplied for a visa after his superb showing at the Under-20 South American Championship but there has been no success.

Hence, he won't be playing for the Blues this season and the club are likely to loan him out to another Brazilian club until the summer.

Palmeiras are the Blues' preferred destination. Santos will get to play in the Brazilian top-flight before reapplying for a UK work permit.

Meanwhile, manager Graham Potter has today confirmed that talks are still ongoing with midfielder Mason Mount over a possible new deal.

His current contract expires at the end of next season and there has been no progress whatsoever over a renewal beyond that period.

Liverpool are reportedly keen on signing him this summer.