Manchester United are claimed to be at loggerheads over deciding Mason Greenwood's future at the club.
The forward, 21, has been the subject of an internal investigation at Old Trafford since February. That was when the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm had all been dropped.
Greenwood remains under contract with United until June 2025, having last featured for the club 18 months ago. Now, the Athletic report that a resolution to his future is imminent, despite him not being present at training on Thursday when the Red Devils' non-international players returned for pre-season.
United officials are said to be conflicted over a decision, with a split in opinion between the club's football and commercial departments. Sponsors are already said to have conveyed their feelings about Greenwood's employment to staff.
Erik ten Hag and others are reportedly open to keeping him at Old Trafford, well aware of the 21-year-old's undeniable talent and extreme potential which he demonstrated under previous manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, figures inside United - including members of their women's team - are claimed to have an issue with his proposed return.
Elsewhere, it's been reported that the Red Devils are considering loaning out Greenwood next season in order for him to revive his career away from the spotlight at United. Multiple Turkish clubs registered their interest during the January transfer window and now various Italian sides have been linked.
Juventus are among them and their interest is notable given that before Greenwood signed a new four-year contract in February 2021, the Serie A giants were reported to be jostling for his signature. Roma are also claimed to be keen on a move.
Ex-Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho is now in charge at the Stadio Olimpico and, according to the Sun, he's already been in touch with his former prodigy. "Jose rang Mason's dad and also spoke with Mason," a source is quoted as saying.
"He told him the best way out of his current situation is to start playing football - and that eventually all the hassle will fade away. Mason was pleased that he got in touch and it has lifted his spirits. He wants to get back playing and is just waiting for United to tell him what the future holds."
Meanwhile, Ten Hag has remained tight-lipped on Greenwood's future prospects. After United confirmed they were opening an internal investigation, the Dutchman said: "I can't add nothing. I refer to the statement of the club."
Greenwood, who earned his one and only England cap as a substitute during a Nations League fixture away to Iceland in September 2020, boasts 35 goals in 129 appearances at club level. Born in Bradford, the versatile attacker joined the Red Devils' academy at the age of six.
