Serie A giants ‘close’ to completing 11th-hour hijack of Manchester United deal despite bid being accepted

Napoli have seemingly entered the race to sign Mason Greenwood with an 11th-hour attempt to prise him away from Marseille. 

Indeed, the 2022/2023 Serie A champions are looking to test Greenwood’s resolve by hijacking his move to France and offering a more lucrative proposal to bring him to Naples.

Earlier this week, it looked as though the Manchester United outcast’s move to Marseille was signed and sealed. A £26.7 million bid had been submitted and subsequently accepted, with Roberto De Zerbi’s side offering to pay £23.2m in an upfront fee plus £3.4m in add-ons, as well as a sizeable share of any future resale.

Then, when city mayor Benoit Payan spoke out to directly oppose the transfer due to Greenwood’s previous charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, as well as club supporters launching a #GreenwoodNotWelcome campaign, the player was left ‘intimidated’ and hesitant over the proposed transfer.

Payan said on Tuesday: “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.

“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.”

Napoli test Greenwood’s resolve

While De Zerbi and Marseille chiefs do their utmost to convince the 22-year-old to follow through with the terms agreed, Napoli are looking to throw their names in the mix by making a proposal of their own.

Calciomercato journalist Paolo Bargiggia revealed on X (Twitter) this morning that the Italian outfit were ‘close to the engagement of Greenwood’.

The sooner his departure is finalised, the better.