New Chelsea signing Andrey Santos missed out on a work permit by just one point when he joined Chelsea last month but the process of re-applying is already underway, according to Evening Standard.

Chelsea are confident a work permit will be secured for the 18 year old Brazilian midfielder following his displays for Brazil at the ongoing South American Under-20 Championship.

The 18-year-old defensive midfielder, who joined for £16million last month, has scored four goals in four games for Brazil in the tournament.

Chelsea are confident the impressive displays of Santos at the ongoing South American Under-20 Championship will help secure clearance to play in England.

Foreign players need a certain number of governing body endorsement points to obtain a work permit to play in the Premier League.

Santos was promised a swift pathway into the first-team after Chelsea beat Manchester City, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle to sign him.

Santos, who signed onto a six-and-a-half-year contract at Stamford Bridge, has earned comparisons to Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets due to his playing style.