Mason Greenwood was back at Manchester United’s training base for talks with senior figures over his potential summer exit.
i understands United are in advanced talks with Marseille over the sale of Greenwood, with the player reportedly keen to link up with former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi in the south of France.
As the majority of United’s squad reported back for pre-season training at Carrington, Greenwood held a “brief” meeting with the club’s leadership group, with the focus on finding the 22-year-old a new club, sources said.
Several other clubs across Europe have expressed an interest, with Lazio another front-runner, but Marseille appear closest to meeting United’s asking price.
It is understood that United are looking to recoup around £30m for Greenwood and are adamant he will not be sold on the cheap. The club retain the option of extending his contract, which expires in 2025, by another year. This could allow them to loan the young forward out before securing a sale next summer.
Greenwood did not take part in training at Carrington on Monday and has not done so since his arrest in January 2022. 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 resume his career elsewhere following a six-month internal investigation. He denied the allegations and has not been convicted of any offences.
New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had left the door open for Greenwood to make a return to United. Upon being announced as a minority shareholder in United, the Manchester-born billionaire said he was willing to reassess the situation. Monday’s Carrington meeting, however, suggests Ineos have made their decision.
The United academy graduate scored 10 goals on loan at Getafe last season and impressed with his all-round performances, helping him win plenty of admirers among clubs in France, Italy, Spain and Germany.
Another player who could return to training this week is Jadon Sancho, as he too nears an exit from Old Trafford.
Juventus are very keen to bring the 24-year-old to Turin to end his Old Trafford nightmare. A loan deal is currently being explored, sources in Italy said, but United are understood to favour a quick sale.
However, like with many clubs across Europe, finances are tight in Turin, and any permanent move for Sancho could hinge on whether Juventus can offload Italy forward Federico Chiesa, who has been heavily linked with a move to Roma. A swap deal between Sancho and Chiesa has been mooted, but United are understood not to be keen.
Ineos need to raise the funds for their own summer transfer business. Without player sales, insiders said United only have around £40m to play with.
The club want to get a deal for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee tied up in the coming weeks. The Netherlands international has a £34m release clause in his contract, which United are willing to meet, but they are open to exploring a more structured payment deal with Bologna.
The club see the Dutchman as the perfect profile to provide Rasmus Hojlund with some support up front, but they have other options on their list, such as Lille’s Jonathan David.
Defensive reinforcements are also high on the agenda, with Bayern Munich’s Matthjis de Ligt, who is reportedly available for a cut-price deal, and Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite their top targets.
Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake will become part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff once the former United striker and Go Ahead Eagles boss are granted visas. The pair were photographed driving into Carrington for talks on Monday.
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