Manchester City “won’t give up” in the race to sign Vasco da Gama midfielder Andrey Santos, according to Calciomercato.it.

Reports in the English media have suggested that Chelsea are stepping up their attempts to snap up the Brazilian but it is believed that the Premier League champions are also very keen on the teenager.

Santos has played a prominent role in helping Vasco regain their top-flight status, but it has been claimed that he will be allowed to leave for around €15m (£13m).

City have a good track record of bringing in players from South America, with Pep Guardiola’s side having recruited the likes of Julian Alvarez, Kayky, Diego Rosa and Yan Couto over the past couple of years.

Calciomercato report that despite Chelsea’s attempts to overtake them in the battle for Santos, City have “no intention of standing by” and watching a Premier League rival beat them to the player’s signature. We shall see how this transfer story unfolds.