Juventus are the new frontrunners to sign Mason Greenwood, but the prospect of the exiled forward still being a Manchester United player next season remains a firm and controversial possibility.
Atletico Madrid have been monitoring Greenwood’s progress on loan at Getafe since he arrived in Spain, but i understands a “number of clubs” from across the continent have contacted United with an expression of interest in recent weeks.
Insiders insist selling Greenwood is the still the most likely outcome as new co-owners Ineos re-evaluate the situation, but he will not be allowed to leave at “fire-sale prices”.
Should no offer come in around the £40m mark, United may extend the 22-year-old’s contract by an additional year beyond its current 2025 expiry date.
It remains unclear whether Greenwood would play for United again, with the option of another loan while under contract a more likely option.
Charges of attempted rape, controlling behaviour and assault against Greenwood were dropped in February last year, with United and the player deciding it best that he resumes his career elsewhere following a six-month internal investigation. Greenwood denied the allegations.
Juventus are now the frontrunners to sign Greenwood, alongside Atletico. Barcelona had been initially interested, but they are reported to be looking elsewhere. Competition is still expected to be fierce for a player who has rekindled his form with Getafe after a prolonged period without kicking a ball as the investigation into the allegations was conducted.
Greenwood has scored 10 goals and impressed with his all-round performances at Getafe, with the Spanish club’s coach full of praise for how the Bradford-born forward has handled any hostility from unhappy opposition supporters.
“He is calm, he is happy, he is treated very well,” Jose Bordalas said. “The boy has had exemplary behaviour to this day and his team-mates help him.
“I’m sure the chants affect him. You know my opinion, I’m against any insult, no matter who the player is.”
The expected negative reaction he would receive back in Manchester has persuaded many close to United to advise that Greenwood is a storm the club doesn’t need to weather at this stage of their transformation.
It is not like in Spain where opposition supporters are the only group to placate. If Greenwood were to wear the United shirt again, anger would come from a wide range of advocacy groups and provoke a fierce backlash from stakeholders.
When new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over the running of United in February, it was expected he would uphold the club’s strong stance on Greenwood never playing for them again.
However, Ratcliffe’s admission upon being announced as a minority shareholder that he would reassess the situation has opened up a range of possibilities. An offer in the region of £40m, however, would make any decision a straightforward one.
Income from Greenwood would be vital to Ratcliffe’s Ineos as they begin their on-field rebuild in a world where profitability and sustainability moderators are watching your every move.
United are understood to be open to offers on the majority of their squad, some at bargain prices.
Greenwood does not fall into that category, i has been told. If the club do have to keep him, they will activate his contract extension and work out what to do next.
Juventus defender Bremer is a player United have been tracking this season, so the possibility of a swap deal involving Greenwood is a potential avenue to explore, making the Italian giants the most viable destination.
Another Premier League club is unlikely to take the risk on Greenwood at this stage. A loan move could be used a litmus test over the ill-feeling towards the young forward, but even that is seen by many as too problematic.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/7kUnARO
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