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Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has said he will not prejudge Manchester United's Mason Greenwood, with sources telling ESPN the clubs are close to an agreement over a loan deal for the forward.
Greenwood spent last season on loan at Getafe. He has not played for United since being suspended by the club in January 2022 after being arrested on suspicion of rape and assault, with Greater Manchester Police confirming the existence of "social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence."
The one-time England international was subsequently charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, although the charges were later dropped due to the withdrawl of key witnesses and "new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction."
Sources have told ESPN that Marseille are looking to sign Greenwood on loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer worth in the region of £27m ($35m). However, there are still details to iron out such as bonuses and the value of a clause that could see United recieve a significant fee should Greenwood ever depart Marseille.
In a news conference on Tuesday, De Zerbi said when asked about Greenwood's past: "Mason is a world class player but we have not recruited him yet. I don't know what happened but I am not used to get involved in my players' private life. But if he comes here, you have to know that I treat all my players like my sons. I can tell them off in private but I would never attack them in public."
Greenwood scored eight goals while on loan at Getafe last season, as well as recording six assists.
Source: espn.co.uk