Following Manchester United’s announcement that the club and disgraced forward Mason Greenwood will go separate ways, transfer rumours have mushroomed.
The 21-year-old reportedly wants to stay in England, but a transfer abroad seems to be his only option after two Championship clubs decided against making a move for him.
Unsurprisingly, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a potential destination with Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq linked. The Liverpool legend was quick to dismiss those rumours as ‘fake news’ on his Instagram account.
Moreover, according to the BBC and talkSPORT, Saudi officials are not keen on their clubs signing Greenwood as it would damage the country’s carefully constructed image as well as ruin any goodwill created by the recent advancements in Saudi women’s football.
Jose Mourinho has also reportedly shot down rumours of his Roma signing Greenwood as he has no intention of being associated with the 21-year-old. The Telegraph reports that in the event of a move materialising and a transfer fee being paid – Greenwood is officially under contract until 2025 – Man Utd are under pressure to donate the money generated to charities fighting domestic abuse.
Club legend Gary Neville didn’t hold back when giving his opinion on United’s handling of the situation. “They’ve finally got there. It was clear from day one, for me and anybody who saw the evidence that was initially released, that he wouldn’t play for Manchester United again.”
“I would say that the process in getting there has been pretty horrible. When you have significant and difficult situations like this, it requires an authoritative leadership, that comes the very top and Manchester United don’t have that.
READ MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals
EXCLUSIVE: Ten Hag eyes Toney
FootballTransfers can exclusively reveal that Manchester United are eyeing Brentford striker Ivan Toney with a view to making a move in January 2024 after he returns from his ban.
Sources have informed us that Erik ten Hag is after a No.9 following the acquisition of Rasmus Hojlund and the club are prepared to wait until Toney’s ban is lifted in January.
Man Utd need to move players on to sign anyone else this window but there is a feeling that the Red Devils are prepared to wait until the winter window to bring in the former Newcastle player.
We are told that Toney is open to a move to Old Trafford, while the time it will take to sign the 27-year-old means that Hojlund will have a chance to settle into life in Manchester.
United set to sell Henderson and sign replacement
United are set to reshuffle their goalkeeping options, with Dean Henderson in talks to join Crystal Palace, who lead Nottingham Forest to sign the England international.
After links with Odysseas Vlachodimos as a potential replacement on Monday, Tuesday saw Altay Bayindir reemerge as a credible option for United.
Turkish media had reported at the beginning of August that the Red Devils had lodged a formal offer for the Fenerbahce man, but reports grew cold afterwards.
On Tuesday, however, Fabrizio Romano revealed that a deal is still very much on, while The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that the 25-year-old was in Greece for a Man Utd ‘pre-medical’ to see whether a back issue could potentially pose a problem further down the line.
Bayindir has a release clause of just €6 million, but the deal is contingent on Henderson departing. Fenerbahce already have a replacement for their shot-stopper lined up in the form of Croatian World Cup hero Dominik Livakovic.
Raphael Varane wanted by Saudi Arabia
Raphael Varane is understood to be the subject of an approach from Saudi Arabia over a transfer, with Al-Ittihad thought to be in ‘preliminary talks’ to sign the Frenchman.
United would be reluctant to let the defender leave, according to Saudi reports, but their resolve could be tested with a big-money bid, which could be in excess of €40 million.
Fabrizio Romano, however, has decisively stated that there is no way that the French star will head to the Pro League this summer, with neither United nor the player particularly interested in the move.
More tidbits
Out-of-favour full-back Brandon Williams is ‘poised’ to join Championship side Ipswich Town, according to Pete O’Rourke. The Athletic reports that it will only be a loan.
Sheffield United are in talks to sign Facundo Pellistri on loan, according to the Telegraph.
Mason Mount is set to be out until the international break next month after suffering an injury against Tottenham, the club has announced.