Chelsea is preparing for more negotiations with Nottingham Forest to settle Andrey Santos’ unclear future as a loanee. The 19-year-old Brazilian impressed for the Blues on their preseason tour of the United States, but he has only played seven minutes of Premier League action since relocating to the City Ground in late August.

Steve Cooper had earlier disclosed in October that he had discussed Santos’ lack of participation after moving to the East Midlands with Chelsea executives. It is believed that Forest also incurs financial penalties for Chelsea each time Santos is unable to play when healthy.

Earlier this summer, clubs in England, Portugal, France, and Italy expressed interest in signing the Brazilian midfielder on loan. Now, his future will be reevaluated as Chelsea pursues additional negotiations with Forest in the upcoming weeks. It is possible that the Blues will trigger a break clause, causing the loan to end early in January.

It’s unlikely that he would be short on suitors given the level of interest in his services this summer. Additionally, it would free up a crucial loan slot inside Forest’s Premier League allotment, allowing them, should they so choose, to acquire another elite player on loan this winter. Santos is rumored to have secured guarantees from Chelsea during the most recent round of negotiations. His only other playing time came in the Carabao Cup, as he participated for the entire ninety minutes in August’s 1-0 loss to Burnley.

Forest is attempting to finalize a January contract for Fluminense’s Nino, the center back. The skipper, who won the Copa Libertadores, has a release clause valued at almost £6 million, which Forest hopes to activate this winter. The summer signing Murillo appears to have inspired the Tricky Trees to keep shopping in the Brazilian market with his striking displays at the center of Steve Cooper’s defense.

Just now, Nino received his first call-up from Brazil to the national team. The 26-year-old is still gaining popularity in Europe. Although Forest is the sole team expressing interest, teams from Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Turkey are also planning a January raid.

Though he was hesitant to offend his present employers, the player himself has already mentioned Forest’s interest. “I also found out about the interest the day before [the Libertadores final],” he said to Globo Esporte. My agent was already aware that I was concentrating on becoming better so I could give this game my all. I’m glad I succeeded. They presented me with every scenario when I met with them this morning; nothing is set in stone just yet. What is clear is what I have always stated: I love Fluminense very much, I am content here, and if I ever have to go, I want to do so in a way that benefits both Fluminense and me.

It’s possible that Gustavo Scarpa, who’s presently on loan at Olympiacos, Forest’s sister club, is going the opposite way.