Chelsea expect to secure a work permit for January signing Andrey Santos after the ongoing South American Under-20 Championship.
The 18-year-old defensive midfielder, who joined for £16million last month, is starring for his country at the tournament in Colombia.
Brazil captain Santos has scored four goals in four matches and Chelsea are confident his displays will help secure clearance to play in England.
Foreign players need a certain number of governing body endorsement points to obtain a work permit to play in the Premier League.
It is understood Santos missed out on a work permit by just one point when he joined Chelsea but the process of re-applying is already underway.
Santos is regarded as one of the brightest talents in South America and joined Chelsea from Brazilian side Vasco da Gama as they target the best young players in the world.
With a realistic prospect of Brazil winning the South American Under-20 Championship, all parties are confident Santos will soon be able to play for Chelsea.
He has been promised a swift pathway into the first-team after Chelsea beat Manchester City, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle to sign him.
Santos, who signed onto a six-and-a-half-year contract at Stamford Bridge, has earned comparisons to Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets due to his playing style.
