NEWCASTLE UNITED are set to miss out on one of their leading January transfer targets – with Brazilian teenager Andrey Santos on the verge of completing a move to Chelsea.

Santos is understood to have agreed the terms of a deal that will see him leave Brazilian side Vasco da Gama next month in order to sign at Stamford Bridge.

The 18-year-old midfielder is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in South America, and has been the subject of interest from a number of European sides in the last few months.

Newcastle were one of his leading pursuers, having first flagged up their interest to Vasco da Gama officials in the summer.

The Magpies have a strong relationship with Santos’ representatives, the Bertolucci Group, as they also represent Bruno Guimaraes, and a couple of months ago, it had looked as though Newcastle were leading the race to land the teenager.

A potential fee had been discussed, with Newcastle hoping Santos would follow in the footsteps of Australian teenager Garang Kuol, whose switch to St James’ Park was announced in the autumn and will be officially completed next month.

However, Chelsea’s interest complicated matters, with new Blues owner Todd Boehly seemingly keen to make a number of statement signings next month.

The Chelsea hierarchy have held a series of discussions with the ownership group at Vasco da Gama, with a deal now understood to be in place. Santos, who has scored eight goals in 33 senior appearances in Brazil, is set to be confirmed as a Chelsea player at the start of next month.

Newcastle remain keen to conduct business in January, with England international James Maddison still figuring prominently on their wanted list.

Maddison, who is about to enter the final 18 months of his contract with Leicester City, has not signed a new deal at the King Power Stadium, meaning Leicester officials will have to decide whether to sell next month or allow his value to drop as his contract continues to run down.

Newcastle have also been linked with a possible move for West Ham defender Harrison Ashby. The 21-year-old right-back will enter the final six months of his contract at the London Stadium next month, and has reportedly turned down a number of offers from West Ham.