Mason Greenwood transfer 'unlikely' for two major reasons as Man Utd leave door open for return

Mason Greenwood could yet return to Manchester United with one potential summer transfer now looking unlikely.

Greenwood, 22, is currently on a summer break after leaving Getafe following the end of his loan spell at the Spanish club.

Greenwood was sent to Spain in the final hours of the 2023 summer transfer window after United decided he would continue his career away from Old Trafford.

The forward has not featured for United since his arrest in January 2022 for attempted rape, controlling behaviour and assault – charges that were later dropped. The player denied all allegations against him.

But following an internal investigation into his behaviour, United opted to send him to Spain on loan rather than keep him with the squad.

He now faces an uncertain future despite an impressive season in La Liga, in which he score eight goals and provided six assists - winning Getafe's Player of the Year award in the process.

A number of clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Lazio and Atletico Madrid have been linked with Greenwood, with French club Marseille also reportedly interested in a deal for the English forward.

Earlier this week, The Athletic reported that Marseille were in talks for Greenwood as Roberto De Zerbi looks to bolster his attack after joining the club following his exit from Brighton.

Marseille are said to have held discussions with Greenwood, with the Ligue 1 club named as his 'preferred' destination at this point.

However, the report also added that a deal had yet to be agreed between United and Marseille, with the former seeking up to £40m.

According to French outlet L'Equipe (via Daily Express), Marseille are unlikely to be able to afford Greenwood.

It is claimed that Marseille's summer transfer funds are limited due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding TV rights in Ligue 1, combined with the club's failure to qualify for Europe after an eighth-place league finish last season.

Greenwood spent last season on loan at Getafe (Image: Getty)

But that is not the only issue impacting a potential deal for Greenwood.

It is also claimed that some Marseille supporters have voiced opposition to the potential signing, further complicating talks.

Greenwood is expected to return to United in the coming weeks, unless a deal can be agreed to sell the forward.

The Premier League club are yet to completely rule out Greenwood returning to the squad.

And a club source told ESPN that both Greenwood and Jadon Sancho, who spent part of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, are set to report back for training if they have not found a new club by the start of pre-season.

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