First club open negotiations with Manchester United to sign Mason Greenwood

A club has opened negotiations with Manchester United over a potential move for Mason Greenwood.

With plenty of issues for Man United's new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to sort out, fans are bracing themselves for a busy summer.

Making a decision on the future of manager Erik ten Hag and strengthening the playing squad for next season are two of the tasks high on Ratcliffe's to-do list, as is resolving the future of Mason Greenwood.

The situation regarding the young attacker is rather more delicate than anything else United's new hierarchy will have to deal with, and there appears to be no simple resolution.

Greenwood has not played for United since January 2022, when he was arrested on suspicion of rape, assault and controlling behaviour.

The 22-year-old denied all the charges, and in 2023 the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against him.

United suspended Greenwood during that period, and after the charges were dropped the club conducted an internal investigation. That concluded with club bosses deciding Greenwood should spend the 2023-24 season away from Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old has spent the current campaign on loan at La Liga side Getafe, where he has notched 10 goals and six assists.

The Spanish club have been so impressed by Greenwood's contribution that they would like to take him on loan again next term. According to talkSPORT, talks between the two clubs are now taking place.

Mason Greenwood has spent the season on loan at Getafe (Getty)

However, United would prefer to sell Greenwood on a permanent basis, with this summer representing their final chance to do so.

Greenwood has just over 12 months remaining on his contract, meaning that this summer will be United's final opportunity to attract a significant fee for a player once regarded as one of England's brightest young talents.

Getafe know they are unlikely to be able to meet United's asking price, hence their pursuit of another season-long loan.

The likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Juventus have been linked with Greenwood, but so far Getafe are the only club showing concrete interest.

Last summer United took an 'out of sight, out of mind' approach to Greenwood's future. Now, they no longer have that dubious luxury.