Man Utd insert highly unusual clause into deal to sell Mason Greenwood to Marseille

Manchester United have inserted an unusual clause into the transfer of Mason Greenwood to Marseille.

Two-and-a-half years after his last appearance for Manchester United, Mason Greenwood finally looks set to leave the club on a permanent basis.

Greenwood was one of United's brightest young stars, but he was suspended after he was arrested and charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in early 2022.

The attacker denied the charges, and in February 2023 the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case after the withdrawal of key witnesses.

After United conducted an internal investigation into the matter, it was decided that Greenwood should continue his career away from Old Trafford.

The England international spent last season on loan at La Liga side Getafe, where he scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 36 games.

Getafe would have liked to have kept Greenwood, but they could not afford United's asking price.

The 22-year-old now looks set to join French giants Marseille, who have reached an agreement in principle with United. The Ligue 1 club will pay an initial fee of £23 million (€27.6m), with a further €4m in potential bonuses on top.

Though the two clubs have reportedly reached an agreement, Marseille are waiting on Greenwood's approval.

According to The Athletic, United will have a 50 per cent sell-on clause, should Marseille decide to sell Greenwood in the future.

In an usual twist, United will also retain the right to buy additional percentages at a later point, as per Ben Jacobs.

The deal could be jeopardised by the Mayor of the city of Marseille asking the club not to sign Greenwood.

SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated transfer news channel to send you the latest deals, rumours and more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.