Mason Greenwood could seal a move to Marseille imminently with the French outfit expecting a ‘yes’ from the Manchester United man this evening (Monday). Things are expected to move quickly once Greenwood’s approval is in place, with United already having agreed a £26.7million deal for their academy product.
Benoit Payan, the mayor of Marseille, recently urged the city’s biggest club not to sign Greenwood. Criminal charges against the 22-year-old, including attempted rape and assault, were denied by Greenwood and dropped in February last year.
Marseille are set to press ahead with the move regardless, and despite rival interest from Italian sides Napoli and Lazio, Greenwood looks set to play his football in Ligue 1 next season.
According to Di Marzio, the youngster ‘is inclined to say yes’ and Marseille are expecting a formal response over the coming hours. That would pave the way for a personal terms agreement which remains one of the final pieces of the puzzle for Greenwood to seal his exit from Old Trafford.
The former England international forward has not played for United since early 2022 and he spent last season on loan at Getafe, where he scored eight La Liga goals.
Greenwood’s price tag ruled them out of pursuing a permanent move after the player impressed with his performances in Spain. The transfer to Marseille, which is edging towards completion, would see Greenwood link up with former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.
It could also see him form an exciting forward line including former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and ex-Watford wide man Ismaila Sarr. Greenwood is set to leave United after 17 years on the books and 35 goals in 129 games.
The Red Devils will reportedly receive an initial £23.2m from Marseille and potentially £3.4m more in add-ons. Up to 50 per cent of any future sale would also be funnelled back to Old Trafford.
Back in February, new United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said: “It’s quite clear we have to make a decision. The process will be to understand the facts, not the hype, and then try to come to a fair decision based on values — is he a good guy or not and answer whether could he play sincerely for Manchester United well and would we be comfortable with it and would the fans be comfortable with it?”
Greenwood reportedly had a short meeting with senior United figures earlier this month, when it was once again made clear that his future would be best served away from the club.