July 8th always had the potential be a little awkward for Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag’s players – well, those not on international duty at the Euros or the Copa America that is – returned to Carrington on Monday morning for the beginning of pre-season preparations.

And the prospect of both Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood turning out in club-branded gear again felt destined to spawn the sort of media circus could do without.

For very different reasons, both players have no future at Old Trafford. But they will both remain United employees until a buyer can be found.

Fortunately, things appear to be moving in the right direction as far as Greenwood is concerned.

Fabrizio Romano reports on X that Marseille – now one of the clear frontrunners for the one-time England international’s signature – have submitted a ‘formal bid’ with an agreement edging closer.

Romano does not report how much the French giants are willing to pay. But presumably it is more than the £20 million bid United rejected from Lazio a fortnight ago, per Gianluca di Marzio.

Manchester United hope to finally sell Mason Greenwood

The Athletic’s David Ornstein, meanwhile, insists that while Greenwood was at Carrington on Monday, there was never any suggestion that he was there to be put through his paces by Ten Hag and co.

The Athletic say that the 22-year-old made only a flying visit to the Manchester United training ground. He was only there to hold talks over his departure, however, holding what Ornstein describes as ‘constructive dialogue’ with ‘the club’s football leadership team’.

Discussions with Marseille are reported to be at an ‘advanced stage’.

A move across the channel would see Greenwood join forces with Roberto de Zerbi, the former Brighton and Hove Albion boss who was heavily linked with the Red Devils before Ineos opted to throw their support behind Ten Hag.

Valencia have seen a loan bid rejected for a man who shone in La Liga on loan at Getafe in 2022/23.

The Athletic add that there has also been interest from Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Napoli though none of those clubs are yet to really step their foot onto the accelerator.

It is Lazio, meanwhole, who appear to be Marseille’s most committed rival for Greenwood’s signing.

Marseille and Lazio lead the race

Biancocelesti president Claudio Lotito is, Corriere dello Sport say, simply ‘obsessed’ with the talented forward. Lazio were one of the clubs interested before Man United sent Greenwood out to Madrid a year ago.

The Red Devils reportedly want somewhere in the region of £40 million.

A fee Simon Jordan believes is more than suitable, even if Greenwood’s well-publicised off-field issues have understandably made a big-money sale far more difficult than it otherwise would have been for a footballer of such quality and potential.

“As the player that we saw before all of his conduct superseded his football ability, he’s worth £40 million,” Jordan, the former Crystal Palace chairman, tells talkSPORT (26 June, 12.50pm).

“He is a brilliant player who had such great opportunities. Unfortunately, because of his behaviour, he’s put himself in a situation where he’s a little bit of a problem. But he will go on and play in other leagues.

“And United will get a decent fee for him because he is worth it.”

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