‘New contacts’ expected: Club president believes he can ‘convince’ United man to join his club for key reason

Lazio are ready to test Manchester United’s resolve again in the next few days after having their opening bid for Mason Greenwood rejected.

As per Corriere dello Sport, the Serie A outfit are readying an improved proposal, with their first offer of £20 million plus 50 per cent of any future resale being swiftly rebuffed by United last week.

This is because the Red Devils believe they can recuperate a fee closer to £30m for Greenwood. As he’s a homegrown player, his sale would generate a straight profit for United, therefore helping them balance the books and stay in line with the Premier League’s financial restrictions.

As such, Lazio are adamant about beating their rivals, Juventus, to the signature of the Carrington graduate by initiating ‘new contacts’ imminently. Napoli are also in the race, along with Atletico Madrid and, more recently, Marseille, with Greenwood thought to favour a move to Ligue 1. Getafe will do their utmost to keep him for at least another season but cannot compete financially if a bidding war occurs.

The Eagles’ chairman, Claudio Lotito, believes he should have the upper hand in the race for the 22-year-old’s signature as, in the closing stages of last summer’s transfer window, when United decided the player wouldn’t be returning to Old Trafford, the Italian side were willing to take a chance on him when other clubs were hesitant.

Then, after Greenwood’s La Liga performances caught the eye of potential suitors, Lotito ‘was among the first to move to reconnect’ and attempt to finally sanction his arrival after talks fell through on deadline day last September. Lotito is confident he can ‘convince’ him of a move to the Stadio Olimpico.

Greenwood’s United career set to come to an end

Should a permanent transfer be agreed in the coming weeks, the attacker will have 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.