Chelsea and Manchester United have stepped up their interest in signing Santos midfielder Thiago Maia.

The 18-year-old has recently been linked with moves to Serie A club Fiorentina and Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, however, the Blues and United have now entered the race for his signature.

Both Premier League clubs have made contact Santos over the of the Brazilian midfielder’s availability, according to The Express.

Spanish side Atletico Madrid were hoping to capture the services of Maia on a free this summer when his contract was set to expire, but he opted to extend his contract at Santos until 2019.

United and Chelsea could struggle to land the midfielder this summer after he revealed that he has no intention of leaving his boyhood club.

‘Santos is home to everyone. I’m staying, I feel good and comfortable to play. Here is my home,’ Maia said.

Maia established himself as a first-team regular at last season, scoring twice from 28 appearances as his side finished 7th in the Brazilian Serie A.

Image: Santos website