Mason Greenwood leaving Manchester United on a permanent basis this summer allegedly remains 'the most likely outcome' despite recent comments from the club's new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Last month, Ratcliffe revealed that Greenwood's future at Old Trafford would be revisited, with the owner and founder of INEOS vowing to look at "the real facts" before making a decision.
There have been claims that the 22-year-old, who was sent on loan to Getafe last summer, could have a route back into the first team for the 2024-25 campaign.
However, according to ESPN, despite the recent speculation and comments from Ratcliffe, it remains likely that the Englishman will leave the Red Devils on a permanent basis in the upcoming market.
The report claims that Man United are likely to demand a fee of around £40m for the forward, who has a contract with the 20-time English champions until the summer of 2025.
© Reuters
Greenwood has scored 35 goals and registered 12 assists in 129 matches for Man United in all competitions, but he has not played for the club since January 2022.
Following accusations from a woman, the forward was arrested two years ago on suspicion of rape and assault, and he was then further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.
The Englishman was also facing charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, but the case against him was dropped last February, allowing him to resume his career during the 2023-24 campaign.
Man United are believed to have made the decision to bring him back into their squad last summer but were forced to change their mind due to the public backlash.
© Reuters
Greenwood was therefore sent on loan to Getafe, and he has impressed for the Spanish outfit this season, scoring eight goals and registering five assists in 26 appearances in all competitions.
Barcelona have been heavily linked with the forward, although it is understood that the Catalan outfit are not exploring a deal at this moment in time.
Atletico Madrid are also believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation, with all of the signs pointing towards a permanent exit during the summer transfer window.
La Liga president Javier Tebas recently said that he was hopeful Greenwood would stay in Spain beyond the end of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Getafe president Angel Torres has claimed that the Red Devils academy product wants to spend "another year" with the capital outfit.