Andrey Santos moved to Chelsea during the January transfer window (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea’s January recruit Andrey Santos has reportedly been denied a Premier League work permit and will be unable to play for the club.

Chelsea completed an £18 million deal to sign the 18-year-old from Vasco da Gama during last month’s transfer window.

Santos, regarded as one of the best young midfield talents in Brazil, was one of eight players Chelsea brought in as they took their spending to over £600m under new owner Todd Boehly, who replaced Roman Abramovich in the summer.

But according to the Daily Mail, Santos has missed out on a work permit by just one point due to the other midfielders the west London club have recently signed.

Chelsea’s coaching staff had been encouraged by Santos’ recent displays for Brazil U20s and were planning to integrate the midfielder into Graham Potter’s first team as soon as possible.

Potter, speaking about the situation in Friday’s press conference, said: ‘Santos is still in the same place. We’re looking at what the options are for him.’

Chelsea had been made aware of the problems regarding Santos’ work permit and applied for an exceptional talent visa, which was also reportedly rejected.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video

It is likely that Santos will now be sent out on loan to continue his development with Brazilian club Palmeiras thought to be a likely destination.

Santos, speaking to Chelsea’s media team after completing his January move to Stamford Bridge last month, said: ‘It’s a very big opportunity for me.

‘This is a big club playing in big competitions like the Premier League so I am very excited. The players here are so good and I am very happy to be here.’

It has been a tough season for Chelsea – who host 20th-placed Southampton on Saturday – with the Blues currently 10th in the Premier League table and 10 points off the top four.

MORE : Chelsea reveal Malo Gusto recovery plan as January recruit spends time at Cobham

MORE : Chelsea owner Todd Boehly involved in secret talks with Manchester United and Newcastle