SS Lazio president Claudio Lotito has confirmed he has bid €25 million for Manchester United star Mason Greenwood.
As relayed here earlier, there is now a three-way tussle for the United star’s services, with a decision expected today or by the end of the week at the latest.
After initial overtures from Juventus, Greenwood looked Marseille bound when the French side had a €30 million + bonuses bid accepted by United. Lotito was quoted as saying, rather childishly, that he had another option “ten times better” than the United man.
However, a public backlash spearheaded by Marseille’s mayor due to Greenwood’s arrest for attempted rape and assault in 2022 seemed to put the brakes on the deal.
It is now reported to be up to Greenwood to decide whether to push ahead with the deal – he has reportedly asked for time – but with that sort of welcome expected and the more glamorous environment of Serie A beckoning, it may well be that he says no to Roberto de Zerbi.
This would leave Lazio and Napoli. The Rome club had been first off the blocks, offering €20 million plus 50% sell-on clause. This was not accepted by United, but despite the inappropriate comments, Lotito clearly has still not given up.
Napoli came challenging a little later and are believed to be offering up to €30 million, but their sell-on offer is reportedly lower than that of Lazio’s, at around 30%. It is unclear as to whether a formal bid has yet been placed and if so, whether it had been accepted. Some reports have suggested they need to sell before they can proceed.
Meanwhile, Lotito has increased his own bid and has now confirmed as such, telling Il Messaggero (via Fabrizio Romano):
“I have offered €25m plus add-ons and 50% sell-on clause to Man United for Mason Greenwood.
“Several clubs tried to enter the race just to disturb us and make the deal collapse… after Juventus also Napoli did the same.”
🚨🏴 Lazio president Lotito: “I have offered €25m plus add-ons and 50% sell-on clause to Man United for Mason Greenwood”.
“Several clubs tried to enter the race just to disturb us and make the deal collapse… after Juventus also Napoli did the same”, told Messaggero. pic.twitter.com/CcVYiqzSDg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 15, 2024
Lotito first tried to sign Greenwood on loan last season and looked set to do so before the deal collapsed at the last minute and the player headed for Getafe in Spain.
With Napoli struggling and/or refusing to sell their biggest stars, Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, they may run out of time to pip the Romans at the post, especially as United themselves are desperate to bring in funds quickly and put an end to a sorry saga that has cast a shadow over the club for nearly two and a half years.
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