Manchester United’s troubles with Profit and Sustainability rules mean that they have to sell well this window to strengthen.
As seen before July 30th, the end of the previous financial year, clubs have resorted to selling academy talents as they represent pure profit on the books.
It is why United have been open to listening to offers for Marcus Rashford, having set a clear asking price for him.
In Mason Greenwood, they have another academy product who is likely to be out of the exit door after rebuilding his footballing reputation on loan at Getafe last season.
Multiple teams are interested in his services but the latest reports indicate that one European club in particular is prepared to do whatever it takes to secure him.
Mason Greenwood a hot commodity, favourites emerge
Lazio started the bidding process for the United forward, putting in an offer worth about £20 million which was rejected by the club.
Since then, other clubs have entered the race but one of those has “great confidence that they will be able to blow Lazio out of the water.
Gianluca di Marzio reports that Olympique Marseille, who have held discussions for Greenwood, are prepared to outbid Lazio.
Roberto de Zerbi’s new side have already presented an offer higher than what the Serie A side bid and the feeling is that the deal will happen.
The French side has been fiercely ambitious this summer since appointing De Zerbi, a coup in itself considering the teams he was linked to. They have already signed Lillian Brassier, and are locked in talks with Inter for Valentin Carboni.
Therefore, United have a chance to spark a bidding war for Greenwood’s services now that multiple teams have entered the race formally. It has been reported that the club will hold out for a fee closer to £30 million which suddenly looks plausible, especially if Lazio are as big a fan of Greenwood as has been reported.
Greenwood transfer is unexpected boost for United
Last year, when United huffed and puffed to strike a late deal to send Greenwood on loan after a failed attempt at bringing him back into the squad, the current scenario seemed impossible.
Greenwood was a distressed asset and the footballing world knew they could take United for a ride on a transfer United had no choice but to make.
However, after showing signs of a great player still being there, Greenwood has opened up a market for himself and in turn, given United an unexpected boost.
If United manage to strike a deal for him in the region of £30 million, then, as per how amortisation works, they will be able to spend £150 million on a player on a five-year contract, safe in the knowledge that his cost on books for this year is covered by Greenwood’s sale.
Greenwood’s status as an academy product makes his sale an invaluable piece of business for United and the key to them making three, four, or potentially five signings in this window, which is just the right amount for Erik ten Hag to field his dream XI next season.
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