Premier League giants, Chelsea, are facing the prospect of selling midfielder Andrey Santos on loan if they are unable to secure his work permit.
The Blues completed an £18million deal to sign Santos from Vasco da Gama in January.
Santos is regarded as one of the best young midfield talents in Brazil.
The 18-year-old has scored five goals for Brazil at the South American Under-20 Championship over the past two weeks.
But, according to Globo, Chelsea’s coaching staff have been encouraged by Santos’ performances for Brazil’s Under-20s and are planning to integrate the midfielder into the club’s first team under manager Graham Potter as soon as possible.
The report added that Santos does not have enough points to qualify for a UK work permit and Potter’s side has applied for an exceptional talent visa in order to make sure that the Brazilian youngster can immediately play in the Premier League.
However, plans are being made in the event that the west London club needs to send the player out on loan.