Mason Greenwood transfer to Marseille unacceptable – Mayor of Marseille 

Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood is reportedly close to securing a permanent move to French Ligue 1 side, Marseille. However, the move has been opposed by the mayor of the club’s city.

Ligue 1 club Marseille are among a number of clubs in the mix for Greenwood, who is in the final year of his United contract. Lazio, Juventus are among the others to be linked with the one-cap England international, who spent last season on loan at Getafe.

Greenwood has not featured for United since January 2022 when he was suspended by the club following his arrest for attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The case against Greenwood was discontinued when the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew all charges, following the withdrawal of co-operation from key witnesses.

“I do not want my club to be covered in shame,” Marseille mayor Benoit Payan told RMC. “It is not acceptable.”

Payan’s comments about the 22-year-old come after a number of Marseille fans protested against the club’s reported pursuit with some using the #GreenwoodNotWelcome hashtag on social media. A fee believed to be worth £27million has been touted for the player, who scored 10 goals in all competitions for Getafe last term.

“At a time when negotiations for the arrival of Mason Greenwood are announced as becoming increasingly advanced, it seems necessary to explain, once again and before the damage becomes irreversible, why this transfer seems inconceivable in view of the values displayed by the club and why it would mean for many of us a red line that would irreparably damage the passion that we have for this club,” a statement on OM Forum reads, in part.

Greenwood is understood to have been back at United’s training ground on Monday for discussions regarding his future. However, he was not among the players involved in training after manager Erik ten Hag welcomed some squad members back for pre-season.