Manchester United have completed a deal to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea

The 22-year-old, who has signed a five-year deal with a sixth option, is expected to be the first of two players through the door this week with a move for Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans fast approaching.

United moved for Tielemans after a deal for Atlanta’s Ederson fell through due to a medical issue.

United are ‘special’, says Santos

Santos told United’s website: “Everything about Manchester United is special; it’s an amazing feeling to join a club represented by some of my biggest idols.

“As a midfielder, I am very happy to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick, he is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and push me to achieve my dreams.

“Everyone has told me how determined the team is and the amazing atmosphere that has been created here. I know how strong the team is and I can’t wait to fight together to win big trophies.”

Santos registered the highest passing rate and most improved passes per 90 minutes for under-22 midfielders in the Premier League last season and has leadership experience, having captained Brazil at various youth levels.

United’s director of football Jason Wilcox explained that the former Strasbourg man has all the qualities the club were looking for this summer.

Wilcox said: “Andrey is an outstanding midfielder with great technical qualities and the ability to impact a game at both ends of the pitch.

“He was our main target in a key position, so we are delighted that he will be joining Michael’s team at the start of the season.

“Although he still has a lot of experience, leadership skills and is showing his talent at the highest level, Andrey still has great potential to improve, and we can’t wait to see him flourish at Manchester United.”

Santos and Tielemans will replace Ugarte and Casemiro in the United team

The news of United’s interest in Tielemans came out on Monday morning as Belgium has been eliminated from the World Cup.

They are believed to have triggered the player’s £35m release clause and, despite interest from elsewhere, Tielemans is thought to be keen on a move to Old Trafford.

Villa have no desire to lose the 29-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, and offered him new terms earlier this year. However, the existence of the release clause means they have little power to prevent his departure.

United are desperate to strengthen the midfield as Manuel Ugarte is expected to miss most of the season next season due to an ACL tear playing for Uruguay in the World Cup and Casemiro left the club in June following the end of his contract.