‘Getting closer’: Romano implies United’s first summer sale could be imminent after receiving ‘formal bid’

Manchester United are actively working on the sale of Mason Greenwood, having engaged in negotiations with numerous clubs since the window opened last month.

Up until June 27, when David Ornstein first broke the news of Olympique Marseille’s interest, it looked almost certain that Greenwood’s next suitor would be a Serie A club.

United had received approaches from the likes of Juventus, Napoli and Lazio, although only the latter officially ignited their pursuit by tabling a proposal of £20 million plus a 50 per cent sell-on clause, which was swiftly rejected by the Reds.

Confident they can recuperate closer to £30m for the forward, the board have decided to be patient and await further offers. As Greenwood is an academy graduate, the money they make will go down as a straight profit, helping to balance books and stay in line with the Premier League’s financial regulations.

Marseille make concrete steps in Greenwood pursuit

Now, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Marseille have finally sent United their ‘formal bid’ for Greenwood, with an ‘agreement getting closer’ between all parties.

The sides are locked in talks to try and hash out a deal as the Ligue 1 outfit is believed to be the player’s priority destination. INEOS’ transfer chiefs will sanction a loan across the 2024/2025 campaign, but only if there is an obligation to buy and a resale clause embedded into his contract.

Greenwood, 22, has not featured in red since being charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in October 2022.

These charges were subsequently dropped in January 2023, but the sensitivity of the situation – understandably – made United fans hesitant to welcome him back at Old Trafford.