Andrey Santos won’t be able to play for Chelsea this season after his work permit was denied for a second time, according to Evening Standard.

Chelsea had been hopeful that the 18-year-old midfielder would get his visa to play in the Premier League after completing a £16million transfer early in January.

Despite Santos captaining Brazil U20 to success in the South American U20 Championship, the 18 year old midfielder was unable to secure a work permit as his performances in the competition weren’t taken into account.

Santos missed out by just one point again on his application for a work permit and he is now set to join a Brazilian club on loan for the rest of the season.

Playing in Brazil’s top-flight for a Copa Libertadores team would add at least three points to his third attempt to secure the right to play in England.