Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira has revealed that he held talks with Santos over a January move and says that it would be a "dream" to represent the Brazilian club.

Pereira has been in and out of the side under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over the past seven weeks, featuring in four of the Norwegian's 10 matches.

The 23-year-old was handed a rare start in last week's 2-2 draw with Burnley but failed to take his chance, seeing him left out of the squad entirely for the trip to Leicester City.

Arsenal, West Ham United and Santos were all linked with Pereira last month, but the once-capped Brazil international intends to stay at United for the time being, before returning to his father's homeland at a later date.

"I'm always following [Santos]. I'm a really sick Santista," he told Esporte Interativo. "There was this speculation that I was going to Santos. I talked to the president, but unfortunately it was not possible.

"I also think that I have to finish a more established career here in Europe. So later, of course, it's a dream to play in Santos. I told [Santos's president], he understood, he was very nice to me.

"Of course, I wish the best for them, and God willing, this year we'll win a little trophy there with Santos, right? I have a lot of desire to play in Brazil and my preference will always be Santos.

"Of course, also, my family is from Parana, we really like Atletico Paranaense. I think it's the two clubs, if it is to have preference, they are the two clubs that I would like to play in Brazil."

Pereira has made a total of 23 appearances for United, either side of loans with Granada and Valencia in La Liga.