As far as one potential departure goes, things are maybe not moving as quickly as Manchester United may like.
Sales are integral to Ineos’ summer plans, deals for the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte and the £70 million-rated Jarrad Branthwaite maybe dependant on whether the Red Devils can first raise funds and further reduce their eye-watering wage bill.
But while things appeared to be progressing nicely regarding the departure of Mason Greenwood this time last week, the proverbial foot appears to have been slammed on the brake rather than the accelerator.
Juventus, per Gianluca di Marzio, is Greenwood’s first-choice destination. Reports of a move to Turin have gone quiet, however.
Lazio, meanwhile, saw an opening bid of around £20 million rejected. Since then, the Biancocelesti have edged closer to bringing in another right-winger – and a player on Man United’s own radar – in Hellas Verona speedster Tijjani Noslin.
Valencia are yet to firm up their interest either, while Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund appear to be staying away for the time being.
Manchester United hope to sell Mason Greenwood
Reports suggesting that Greenwood has another admirer – and with talks underway already – will come as a relief, then, for a Man United side desperate to get the former Getafe loanee out the door as early in the window as possible.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Marseille have now opened discussions with Man United. Talks with the French giants are at an early stage, however. And it remains to be seen if L’OM can meet the £40 million price-tag.
But, in a major boost to United’s plans, The Athletic add that Greenwood is keen to join Marseille. The 1993 European Champions have held ‘positive’ early talks with the one-time England international too.
Should Greenwood end up at either Marseille or Juventus, he will be plying his trade at a club who’s new manager has admirers behind the scenes at Old Trafford. Thiago Motta was linked with the Man United job before heading to the Allianz Stadium.
Talks were held, meanwhile, with Roberto de Zerbi, per The Athletic. The former Brighton and Hove Albion boss saw his impending arrival at Marseille confirmed on Tuesday.
“Olympique de Marseille has announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with Roberto De Zerbi,” reads a statement provided by the club’s official X account.
Marseille make their move
The chance to work with De Zerbi may appeal to Greenwood.
The Italian plays a fluid, free-flowing, attack-minded brand of football that should help get the best out of a man who burst onto the scene at Manchester United with 17 goals during a staggering breakout season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2019/20.
Simon Jordan, the former Crystal Palace chairman, believes that Man United will still earn a ‘decent fee’ for Greenwood despite the dark cloud that has hung over him since he was suspended by the Red Devils in January 2022.
“As the player that we saw before all of his conduct superseded his football ability, he’s worth £40 million,” Jordan tells talkSPORT (26 June, 12.50pm).
“He is a brilliant player who had such great opportunities. Unfortunately, because of his behaviour, he’s put himself in a situation where he’s a little bit of a problem. But he will go on and play in other leagues.
“And United will get a decent fee for him because he is worth it.”