Mason Greenwood's 'preferred transfer' away from Man Utd revealed | OneFootball

Marseille are the latest club to have been linked with Mason Greenwood as Manchester United attempt to arrange a permanent transfer for the forward.

Greenwood's loan at Getafe, where he scored eight goals in 33 La Liga appearances, is at an end and it remains that his next step will be away from Old Trafford.

United had initially hoped to reintegrate Greenwood into their first-team squad after charges of assault, attempted rape and coercive behaviour were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service after the withdrawal of key witnesses. But a furious backlash resulted in a climbdown.

United's preference has long been known to be a permanent sale, with Juventus, Lazio, Napoli Barcelona and Atletico Madrid all among those linked with the 22-year-old.

The Athletic reports that Marseille are "exploring a deal", with talks at an early stage and the specifics of finances yet to be discussed. But the French side are described as "keen to recruit" Greenwood, who is claimed to favour Marseille over other potential options at this stage.

Roberto De Zerbi is to become Marseille's new head coach / Charlie Crowhurst/GettyImages

Roberto De Zerbi is set to become new Marseille boss after leaving Brighton & Hove Albion. The club competed in the Champions League qualifying rounds and then the Europa League during 2023/24, getting as far as the semi-finals in the latter competition. But a disappointing eighth place finish in Ligue 1 means no European football at Stade Velodrome in the year ahead.

Marseille were heavily reliant on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for goals last season, with the 35-year-old racking up 30 in all competitions. The next highest scorers were centre-back Chancel Mbemba and ex-Sheffield United forward Iliman Ndiaye on six each, so there is need for additional firepower.

The club's last Ligue 1 title was in 2010, while their most recent trophy was 2012. Yet they retain historic status within French football as nine-time national champions – only Saint-Etienne (10) and Paris Saint-Germain (12) have won more – and they remain the sole French winner of the European Cup.

United are reported to be targeting a £30m transfer fee for Greenwood, although failure to command what is deemed an acceptable price could see the club trigger a 12-month extension in his contract until 2026 and consider a second loan. That scenario could bring Getafe back into the picture.