Manchester United are in advanced talks with Marseille over a loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer that would see Mason Greenwood leave Old Trafford, a source has told ESPN.
The 22-year-old forward spent last season on loan in Spain with Getafe, scoring 10 goals in 36 appearances for the LaLiga side, but was due to return to United for pre-season training this week due to his contract still having 12 months to run.
A source told ESPN that Greenwood was at United's Carrington training ground on Monday to meet with the new football leadership team and talks were held with the aim of finding him a new club. Greenwood did not take part in training, the source added.
Greenwood has not played for United since the club suspended him in January 2022 after he was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault, with Greater Manchester Police confirming the existence of “images and videos on social media posted by a woman alleging incidents of physical violence”.
The former England international was subsequently charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm with a trial date set for November 2023, before the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dropped all charges against Greenwood in February 2023 due to “a combination of key witnesses being withdrawn and new material coming to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”.
Despite the charges against Greenwood being dropped, the player has not returned to action for United and the club have decided to find him a new club.
Getafe had been interested in signing Greenwood on a permanent deal following his successful loan move last season, but sources have said United would want at least £20m ($25.7m) for the player whose contract includes a 12-month option, which would be activated by the Old Trafford club if they fail to secure a permanent transfer deal this summer.
Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Lazio are all interested in a permanent deal for Greenwood, but French side Marseille have emerged as the favourites. A source told ESPN that the Ligue 1 side have submitted a firm offer and that talks between the two clubs are progressing. At this stage, the potential fee and terms of any deal have not been revealed.
