Chelsea boss Graham Potter had 'planned' for Andrey Santos to play a role in the remainder of the campaign and the Blues still 'want him in the team' amid issues over a Stamford Bridge work permit, journalist Simon Phillips has told GiveMeSport.
The west Londoners forked out £18million to sign the talented Brazilian from Vasco da Gama during the January transfer window, but he has been unable to make his debut.
Chelsea latest news - Andrey Santos
According to 90min, Chelsea are confident that Santos will be handed a work permit, which would allow him to feature in the Premier League.
The report suggests the teenager's performances in South America's Under-20 Championships could be enough to result in a successful appeal after the Brazilian second tier, where Vasco da Gama ply their trade, was not deemed strong enough to get the necessary documentation.
Chelsea have made contingency plans in case Santos still fails to secure a work permit and, in that case, a loan move to his homeland would be on the cards.
The Blues won the race for the central midfielder's services despite transfer insider Dean Jones recently telling GiveMeSport that he had been mentioned as a Newcastle United target ahead of the winter window opening for business.
Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City were also in the hunt for Santos' signature, but Chelsea got the deal over the line.
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What has Simon Phillips said about Santos?
Phillips understands that Chelsea are desperate for Santos to be handed a work permit as Potter is intending to offer opportunities during the remainder of the campaign.
Having spoken to contacts at the Blues' training ground, the journalist is aware there is an eagerness to integrate the January arrival into the first-team picture as soon as possible.
Phillips told GiveMeSport: "Cobham sources have been saying this week that Chelsea planned for him this season.
"They want him in the team. They want him, at least, in the squad this season."
Why did Chelsea sign Santos last month?
According to Transfermarkt, Santos scored eight goals in 37 senior appearances after coming through Vasco da Gama's youth system.
That emphasises he is capable of being a threat in the final third of the pitch, while he has also found the back of the net five times and registered a further two assists in nine outings for Brazil's under-20 side.
Additionally, Santos is capable of breaking up opposition attacks as Sofascore statistics show he averaged 2.9 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 0.7 clearances per Brasileiro Serie B outing last term.
There is no doubt that the 18-year-old will need to be given time to adjust to the pace of the Premier League, but former Brazil international Juninho Pernambucano has previously described him as a 'beast'.
With doubts over N'Golo Kante's future, due to entering the final six months of his contract at the turn of the year, Santos could be the perfect long-term option to slot into the heart of Chelsea's midfield.
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