Chelsea are plotting further talks with Nottingham Forest to resolve the uncertain future of loanee Andrey Santos. The 19-year-old Brazilian has played just seven minutes of Premier League action since moving to the City Ground in late August despite impressing for the Blues during their pre-season tour of the United States.
Steve Cooper previously revealed in October that he'd held dialogue with Chelsea chiefs to explain Santos' lack of involvement since making the switch to the East Midlands. It's understood Forest are also paying Chelsea a financial penalty every time Santos does not play when fit.
Clubs from England, Portugal, France and Italy all made enquiries to sign the Brazilian midfielder on loan earlier this summer and his future will now be reassessed in the coming weeks when Chelsea will pursue further talks with Forest. The Blues could potentially activate a break clause which would terminate the loan prematurely in January.
Given the nature of interest in his services this summer, it's unlikely they he would be short of suitors. Furthermore, it would also free up a valuable loan spot within Forest's Premier League quota - meaning they would be able to sign another top-flight player on loan this winter should they wish. During the last round of talks, Chelsea are thought to have received assurances that Santos would get his chance. His only other minutes have come in the Carabao Cup when he played the full 90 in the 1-0 defeat to Burnley back in August.
Meanwhile, Forest want to tie up a January deal for Fluminense centre-back Nino. The Copa Libertadores-winning captain has a release clause worth in the region of £6million which Forest are hopeful of triggering this winter. Summer recruit Murillo's eye-catching displays at the heart of Steve Cooper's defence have seemingly encouraged the Tricky Trees to continue shopping in the Brazilian market.
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Nino has just been handed his first international call-up by Brazil as the 26-year-old continues to attract admirers from Europe. Forest are not the only side to have registered their interest however as clubs from Saudi Arabia, Spain and Turkey are also lining up a January swoop.
Nottingham Forest want Fluminense captain Nino (Getty Images)The player himself has already spoken of Forest's interest, although he was reluctant to disrespect his current employers. He told Globo Esporte: “I also found out about the interest the day before [the Libertadores final]. My agent already knew that my focus was on recovery, on being able to play this game 100 percent. I did it, thank God. I met with them this morning, they gave me every possible situation, nothing is certain yet. What is certain is what I have always said, that I have a great affection for Fluminense, I am very happy here, and, if one day I leave, I want to leave in a way that is good for me and for Fluminense.”
Gustavo Scarpa, who is currently on loan at Forest's sister club Olympiacos, could potentially be headed in the other direction.
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