Santos are chasing Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva.
The Daily Mail says the Brazil international has struggled to settle at Liverpool and has often come in for criticism from fans for his performances.
However, his form of late has encouraged manager Roy Hodgson to stick with him at least until the end of the season.
That resolve will be put to the test though by ambitious Santos who want to build a strong squad ahead of the Copa Libertadores next year.
They have just signed former Manchester City midfielder Elano from Galatasaray for £2.4m and are sending a delegation to Liverpool in the coming weeks to discuss a potential deal for Lucas.
