Man Utd fans angry and confused Andreas Pereira is set to leave in January

MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been left frustrated over speculation that youngster Andreas Pereira will leave the club.

The 22-year-old Brazilian appears to be closing in on a shock move to Santos in January.

Pereira, who is highly-regarded among supporters, has not extended his deal at Old Trafford that expires in the summer.

He has spent the last two seasons on loan at Granada and struggled to make an impact in Jose Mourinho's first team.

And it appears he is edging closer to the exit door after it was revealed by Santos' president that the club are in talks with the player's father over a move.

Jose Carlos Peres revealed: "He is a player that interests us a lot. He is a santista and wants to play for Santos. The family is trying. His father wants to see him at Santos for at least a year.

“The problem is that Manchester are playing hard. We know the end of the contract is in the middle of the year, but we want the player now. With his father, I’ve been speaking, but we have not yet entered into the details of values.”

Brazilian journalist Andre Noruega further fuelled speculation that an agreement was close by revealing that Pereira is a big Santos fan and it is his dream to play at the club.

It would initially be a loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer.

But United supporters don't appear too pleased with the move.

One said: "As long as it's a loan deal. But either then that sucks. He should be given time in the first team still now that Jose has gone."

Another wrote: "that would be one of the most ridiculous career moves I'll have ever seen. Probably the most mind-boggling one in football in recent memory."

One fan added: "When a new manager is arriving, I would at least wait to see if I get a look in."