Mason Greenwood could be used by Man Utd in attempt to sign Erik ten Hag's No1 target

Mason Greenwood is set to return to football next season after charges of attempted rape and assault against him were dropped, though Manchester United are expected to loan him out

Posted Sunday, July 09, 2023 by Dailystar.co.uk

Mason Greenwood could be used by Man Utd in attempt to sign Erik ten Hag's No1 target
Mason Greenwood is expected to be loaned out next season

Manchester United are considering using Mason Greenwood as a makeweight in order to land one of their primary summer targets.

The young forward has been suspended for 17 months following his arrest in January 2022 on suspicion of rape and assault, and hasn't reported for pre-season training amid an internal investigation, despite all charges against him being dropped.

The expectation is that he'll be loaned out to an overseas club next season, and it's understood Serie A side Atalanta are mulling over a move.

Given their interest in Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, United may decide to use Greenwood as a bargaining chip should discussions with the club over a move for the Denmark international open at any point this summer.

The Red Devils are in desperate need of a new centre forward following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo mid-way through last season and have set aside a decent chunk of their transfer budget to land one in the coming weeks.

Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane are top of Erik ten Hag's wish list, but United are likely to be priced out of moves for both with Napoli and Tottenham reportedly wanting offers well north of £100m before considering coming to the negotiation table.

Hojlund is a cheaper alternative, though Atalanta's reported asking price of £86m is currently putting United off. Whether chucking a Greenwood loan deal into the mix will be able to make a difference remains to be seen.

Manchester United are interested in signing Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund

Elsewhere, United are closing in on a deal to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, who played under Ten Hag at Ajax.

Talks between the two clubs are progressing and it's understood a deal could be agreed by next week. Onana would become United's second signing of the summer following Mason Mount's £60m arrival from Chelsea.