Man United agree lucrative deal with European giants to offload outcast - report
Manchester United have reached an agreement with Ligue 1 side Marseille for the transfer of forward Mason Greenwood, according to The Athletic.
The deal will see Marseille pay €31.6 million (£26.7 million) to the Red Devils, with €27.6 million fixed and €4 million in potential add-ons.
Also, Man United have a sell-on clause in the agreement, allowing the club to profit if the French club sells Greenwood in the future.
Greenwood’s exit from Old Trafford comes after a tumultuous period for the 22-year-old. Following a loan spell with Getafe last season, where he impressed with ten goals and six assists in 36 appearances, Greenwood returned to Manchester for pre-season training to engineer a permanent exit.
Greenwood had been linked with several European clubs, including Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, and Napoli, but Marseille have emerged as the frontrunners.
The move would see him work under former Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi, who took charge at Marseille in June.
The Italian has defended his club’s move for the Man United academy graduate, who was charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour.
De Zerbi promised to protect him like a son should the transfer go through. Despite being acquitted of those charges, the dark cloud still hangs over Greenwood’s head, with several Marseille supporters against his signing.
Manchester United women were reportedly unhappy when rumours started floating that the club would reinstate the player before the hierarchy decided against it and loaned him to Getafe.
His sale will bolster Man United’s coffers as the Reds look to reinforce other areas of the squad.
United have seen a €60-70 million offer for centre-half Leny Yoro accepted by Lille, according to Manchester Evening News. However, the French teenage prodigy remains keen on moving to Real Madrid.
Man United also sent in a second bid for Jarrad Branthwaite, but Everton rejected the proposal, standing firm on their £70 million asking price.
Meanwhile, United remain in talks with Bayern Munich for Matthijs De Ligt, and a deal for Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee is close to being done.