A Marseille fans group has launched a campaign to stop their club from buying Mason Greenwood from Manchester United.
The French club are in pole position to sign Greenwood for around £27 million following advanced talks with Old Trafford executives amid competing interest from Lazio, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Valencia and Napoli.
However, Marseille supporters have launched a ‘Greenwood Not Welcome’ campaign on social media and a statement on the fans’ site OM Forum said: “At a time when negotiations for the arrival of Mason Greenwood are announced as becoming increasingly heated, 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.”
Greenwood, 22, has not played for United since he was arrested following attempted rape and assault allegations in 2022. The player denied the charges, which were dropped in February last year.
The former England forward has been pursued by a series of overseas clubs since his loan spell ended at Getafe, where he played 33 league matches last season, scoring eight goals.
He held talks with United officials at Carrington on Monday but did not train with his team-mates on the first day of pre-season.
A move to Marseille would see him work with the former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, who signed a three year deal to join the French club following his successful on the south coast.
On the prospect of Greenwood joining the club, the Italian coach said: “He hasn’t signed, there’s not much to say. He’s a world-class player. I don’t know his background. No matter the player, once they sign here, they become like my children. I protect them through thick and thin. Maybe, in private I’ll pull their ears, but in public, I’ll defend them like my sons.”
Greenwood has been told United’s position remains unchanged after the club said in August last year that he would “rebuild” his career elsewhere.
United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe had said in February this year that the club would take a decision on Greenwood’s future in the summer.