‘Increasingly closer’: United’s deal with French club could be wrapped up by tonight as they await player’s ‘definitive yes’

Having announced Willy Kambwala’s official exit from the club earlier today, Manchester United could be gearing up for some more funds to land in the bank account in the coming days.

Transfer chiefs at INEOS signed off on a £26.5 million package deal for Mason Greenwood last week, with United poised to receive an upfront fee of £23m plus a further £3m in add-ons – as well as a sizeable share of any future resale figure.

However, when the player’s prospective move was met with a ‘#GreenwoodNotWelcome’ social media campaign by Marseille fans and the city major, Benoit Payan, spoke out to publicly oppose the deal, Greenwood grew ‘intimidated’ and reluctant to see out the deal.

“Greenwood’s behaviour is unspeakable, unacceptable. Hitting his wife… I saw images that deeply shocked me. Attacking his wife in this way is unworthy of a man, and I believe he cannot have a place in this team,” Payan said of the 22-year-old’s previous charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, which led to him being exiled from Old Trafford.

“The values of Marseille and the values of Olympique de Marseille are anything but that. It’s anything but racism and anti-Semitism. It’s anything but… can you imagine? Violence against women? Do you realise that? And he wants to play for Olympique de Marseille, Greenwood? It’s a disgrace.

“I will ask the president of Olympique de Marseille not to recruit Greenwood. I don’t want my club to be covered in the shame of someone who hits his wife. I don’t want my club to be covered in the ashes of someone who hits his wife like that. It’s not acceptable.”

Read more: ‘I can confirm’ – Romano provides unwanted update as Liverpool establish interest in one of INEOS’ main summer targets

Greenwood closing in on Marseille switch despite apprehensions

As such, senior figures at Marseille – including newly-appointed manager Robert De Zerbi – have been doing their utmost to convince Greenwood that he should follow through with the move.

The likes of Lazio and Napoli, who’d previously shown interest in the Carrington graduate, were thought to be trying their luck with late hijack attempts.

They must brace themselves for failure, though, as Gianluca Di Marzio has announced tonight: “Mason Greenwood is increasingly closer to Marseille. The French are expecting the footballer’s definitive “yes” by this evening.”