Man Utd face £27m transfer blow as Mason Greenwood ‘taken aback' over development

Manchester United are at risk of suffering a £27million transfer blow as Mason Greenwood reportedly stalls over his proposed move to Marseille. The Ligue 1 club are claimed to be fighting to convince Greenwood of a switch after Marseille mayor Benoit Payan condemned the potential deal and some fans launched protests.

On Tuesday, Marseille reportedly agreed to a £27m transfer with United, comprising a £23m fixed fee plus add-ons.

But they aren’t yet believed to have received the green light from Greenwood, who last season resumed his career on loan at Getafe after an 18-month suspension.

At the start of 2022, the 22-year-old was arrested and later charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Greenwood denied any wrongdoing, and the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service dropped all the charges in February 2023 due to the “withdrawal of key witnesses” and “new evidence that had come to light”.

He resumed his career in Spain last term, scoring 10 goals in 36 appearances, and is now widely expected to complete a permanent exit.

Marseille have emerged as the frontrunners for his signature ahead of Lazio, also strongly interested, after agreeing a fee with United.

However, comments from the city’s mayor appear to have momentarily derailed the transfer. Payan told RMC: “I do not want my club to be covered in shame. It is not acceptable.”

His public disagreement followed backlash from some Marseille fans, who used the hashtag #GreenwoodNotWelcome on social media while protesting his planned arrival.

A statement on the OM Forum stated that the prospect of Greenwood joining was “unthinkable in light of the values upheld by the club.”

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the reaction has taken the former United No. 11 aback, potentially opening the door for Lazio to launch a hijack.

It’s claimed that negotiations between Greenwood and Marseille have slowed down after Payan’s condemnation, and the Ligue 1 outfit are now working to convince him to join.

The report adds that there have been phone calls and a private meeting with Greenwood’s father in recent hours, during which Marseille have insisted they want to make the deal happen despite the mayor’s stance.

But the hostile reaction from some sections of the fanbase is said to have also intimidated the ex-England international.

If the deal collapses, United will miss out on at least £23m of pure profit that would be hugely beneficial for the club’s books amid PSR pressure.

The Red Devils also need to raise funds for their own transfer business as INEOS eye at least two centre-backs, a central midfielder and a striker.