Lazio 'to offer Man Utd player swap' for Mason Greenwood that will anger Pep Guardiola

Lazio are set to get creative in their bid to sign Mason Greenwood by offering Manchester United a player as part of the deal, according to reports. Christos Mandas has been mooted as a Manchester City target, but Pep Guardiola could be left disappointed if he heads to Old Trafford instead.

Greenwood is almost certain to leave United permanently this summer following a successful season-long loan at La Liga club Getafe.

The 22-year-old’s performances in Spain generated heavyweight interest, and Lazio appear to be leading the chase for his signature.

Reports earlier this week stated the Serie A outfit were already in talks over a £30million deal for Greenwood in an attempt to fend off rival interest.

United value Greenwood at around £40m, and while Lazio’s initial offer was thought to include performance-related bonuses, they may have more work to do before finding an agreement.

On Friday, Italian outlet Il Messaggero claimed that chief executive Claudio Lotito was pushing for the former Red Devils No. 11’s signature.

The report adds that after having no success with their opening bid, Lazio are readying a new approach, which would be around £15m and goalkeeper Christos Mandas.

City have reportedly already been denied after swooping for Mandas, having identified the Greece international to improve the competition between the sticks.

Guardiola would be frustrated to see him moving to the other side of Manchester as part of a deal for Greenwood.

However, United are unlikely to accept such an offer due to the club’s urgent need for cash to boost their summer transfer budget.

A new goalkeeper also isn’t among the club’s priorities, with Andre Onana settled as Erik ten Hag’s No. 1 and Altay Bayindir offering a capable cover option.

Any suitors will surely have to meet United’s £40m asking price for any chance of luring Greenwood away from Old Trafford.

Another season-long loan with an obligation to buy could also be deemed acceptable if United aren’t confident their demands will be met.

Lazio won’t be the only club making moves to seal a deal for Greenwood ahead of the start of the European transfer window on July 1.

Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Napoli are also said to be in the running, which may convince the English attacker to take his time over a decision.

United will explore other sales in the meantime, with Victor Lindelof, Casemiro and Jadon Sancho currently most heavily linked with departures.