Man Utd could yet keep Mason Greenwood. (Image: GETTY)
Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood has prioritised a summer transfer to Lazio over the Serie A club's rival suitors, according to reports. But the Biancocelesti aren't said to have gone close to meeting United's valuation with their opening bid for Greenwood, leaving work to be done if they are to seal his signature.
INEOS are expected to trigger the one-year extension in Greenwood's contract, currently due to expire in 2025, if no permanent deal is struck in the coming weeks.
Both parties are believed to consider a permanent parting of ways the preferred outcome after his season-long loan at Getafe.
But Sir Jim Ratcliffe isn't likely to sanction any cut-price deals for Greenwood as he looks to generate funds to boost United's transfer kitty.
According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, the England international has pinpointed Rome as his first-choice destination amid interest from Lazio.
Greenwood is said to have been made aware of the club's respect for his talent and believes he would become a prominent figure at the Stadio Olimpico.
The report adds that he has pushed aside interest from Marseille, choosing Lazio as his next team, with the Italian outfit eyeing a marquee signing to please their fans.
Mason Greenwood wants to join Lazio. (Image: Getty)
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United haven't yet given the green light, though, and other reports in Italy claim the initial offer worth £17million plus a 50 per cent sell-on clause was rejected.
In June, Getafe were said to have bowed out of the race to bring Greenwood back to Madrid after United demanded at least £34m.
The same report claimed that the M16 giants hadn't ruled out the possibility of sanctioning a surprise return if they weren't satisfied with the transfer fee.
If Greenwood is dead set on joining Lazio but no suitable offer arrives, it could convince INEOS to stick to their guns and hold onto him.
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In that case, another loan would become the most realistic outcome, with little space remaining in Erik ten Hag's squad.
United have even reportedly agreed that it would be best for Greenwood and Jadon Sancho to not return to Carrington when the club's non-internationals report for pre-season on Monday.
Another successful loan for the former would allow the Red Devils another opportunity to cash in on him next summer.
But there will still be optimism of finding Greenwood a new permanent home while raising pure profit from the academy graduate's sale in this one.
