Man Utd make final Mason Greenwood transfer decision after 'constructive' talks

Mason Greenwood reported to United's training complex on Monday for what was described as a “constructive” meeting with football executives, aimed at finding him a new club

Mason Greenwood is set to join Marseille in a permanent deal – with Manchester United moving closer to selling their £35million-rated outcast.

Greenwood reported to United's training complex on Monday for what was described as a “constructive” meeting with football executives, aimed at finding him a new club. The 22-year-old forward, who has not played for United for two-and-a-half years, did not train and immediately left the complex after the talks involving his representatives and those of the club.

Although Greenwood remains under contract at United, he is not expected to take part in pre-season training while discussions go on about finding him a new club to relaunch his career. Italian club Lazio have also expressed interest in signing Greenwood, but club sources have indicated that French side Marseille are the most advanced in terms of concluding a deal.

United are looking for between £30m and £35m for Greenwood, who was once valued at £70m when scoring regularly for them and who earned a solitary England cap under Gareth Southgate. Greenwood spent last season on loan at Spanish side Getafe, where he scored 10 goals in 36 appearances, which also saw him attract interest from Juventus, Napoli and Valencia.

Suspended by United in January 2022 following his arrest for attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, Greenwood saw the case against him discontinued when the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew all charges, following the withdrawal of co-operation from key witnesses.

United had planned to reintegrate Greenwood into their first-team squad at the start of last season, but ultimately abandoned that plan over fears of a public backlash, given the sensitivity of the situation.

Greenwood, who came through United's youth academy, scored 35 goals in 129 games for the first-team up until his arrest and subsequent suspension over the allegations he has always denied.

United are also hoping to sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, after agreeing personal terms with the Netherland's international, who could face England in tomorrow's Euro 2024 semi-final.

Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake were at United's training ground yesterday, ahead of their appointment to Erik ten Hag's coaching staff.

Former United striker Van Niselrooy will focus on helping the forwards, while Hake will work closely with Ten Hag's coaching staff, raising doubts over the futures of Steve McClaren and Mitchell van der Gaag, currently part of the coaching set-up.

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