Lazio make ‘final blitz’ for Man Utd player after being ‘offered’ transfer chance

Lazio are considering a late move for Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood before the transfer deadline, according to reports.

The 21-year-old has been suspended by the club since January 30, 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.

Greenwood was facing charges including attempted rape and assault until the Crown Prosecution Service announced six and a half months ago that the case had been discontinued.

The forward remained suspended by Man Utd throughout that period and the club announced last month it had been mutually agreed he would leave following an internal investigation.

Man Utd are working with Greenwood’s family to help find the right move and it’s understood that the club have received multiple expressions of interest in the young forward.

Clubs in the free-spending Saudi Pro League have been strongly linked with the one-cap England international but Steven Gerrard has rubbished speculation that he could join his side Al-Ettifaq.

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The former Rangers and Aston Villa manager labelled a story saying his team were considering offering the 21-year-old a deal as “fake news” last month, while it has been reported a move for the player is seen as too risky by Saudi clubs.

Teams in Turkey and Italy have been linked with Greenwood, who is under contract until 2025, with the option of a further year, and is understood to remain on full pay.

And now journalists Fabrizio Romano and Gianluca di Marzio have claimed that Lazio could make a move for Greenwood before the transfer deadline.

Romano wrote on Twitter: “Lazio have been offered the possibility to sign Mason Greenwood from Man United in the final hours of the summer transfer window. #DeadlineDay No decision has been made as of now.”

And Di Marzio describes the Man Utd striker as Lazio’s ‘latest transfer idea’ before the transfer deadline with the Serie A club ‘trying the final blitz’ for Greenwood before the window shuts.

It is understood that there have been ‘contacts between the parties’ and that Greenwood has ‘opened up to the move to Italy’, while Maurizio Sarri’s ‘approval is needed to complete the operation’.

Former Man Utd defender Gary Neville thinks it was “clear from day one” that Greenwood would never play Man Utd again but the “process” has been “horrible”.

“Yes, they have (made the right decision). They have finally got there,” Neville said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.

“It was clear from day one that he wouldn’t play for Manchester United again.

“The process in getting there has been pretty horrible. When you have significant situations, and difficult situations like this, it requires strong authoritative leadership. And that comes from the very top. Manchester United don’t have that.

“And on an issue like domestic abuse and violence against women, it brings me to a third point that there needs to be independence.

“It shouldn’t be that Manchester United are the judge and jury on such a significant issue, not just for themselves but also for the game.

“People talk about the reputation to Manchester United but it’s the Premier League here as well. And my view here is that on issues of this importance and severity, they should be dealt with independently by a panel.

“Because it’s been clear that Manchester United have not had the skill and the ability to deal with this situation properly – it’s been well above their grade of experience and ability.”