ROBERTO DE ZERBI has vowed to “defend Mason Greenwood publicly” despite protests from Marseille fans over the Manchester United outcast’s potential transfer.
The French side are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Greenwood this month following his loan spell in Spain with Getafe.
United have told Greenwood, 22, he will be sold after the striker held a meeting with their football leadership team.
And the Red Devils now hope to cash in quickly, with Marseille closing in on a deal reportedly worth an initial £27million.
Greenwood is thought to be open to joining Marseille, with the likes of Juventus and Benfica also interest.
However, fans of the Ligue 1 club have started a campaign called #GreenwoodNotWelcome, imploring Marseille chiefs to abandon their pursuit or risk doing “irreversible damage”,
Greenwood was suspended by Man United in January 2022 before being charged nine months later of attempted rape, assault, and controlling and coercive behaviour towards a woman.
The one-time England international denied the claims, with all criminal charges eventually being dropped in February 2023.
But new Marseille boss De Zerbi, who left Brighton at the end of the season, has vowed to “defend Greenwood” if the forward is signed.
He said: “Greenwood isn’t recruited yet so there isn’t much to say. He’s a champion, an international level player.
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“I don’t know what happened, I’m not concentrating on private lives. When a player signs for the club, I consider him my child.
“Even if I can pull his ear in private, I will defend him publicly. My players are like my sons.”
De Zerbi’s comments are sure to go down like a lead balloon with Marseille supporters, who issued a furious statement this week condemning the club’s move for Greenwood.
It read: “At a time when negotiations for the arrival of Mason Greenwood are announced and becoming increasingly heated, it seems necessary to explain, once again and before the damage becomes irreversible, why this transfer seems inconceivable in view of the values displayed by the club.
“And why it would mean for many of us a red line that would irreparably damage the passion that we have for this club.”
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Marseille’s move comes after Lazio pulled out of the running despite being early favourites to sign Greenwood, who scored eight goals in 33 La Liga games last season.
President Claudio Lotito said: “The deal to sign Greenwood was close last year but then it collapsed at the final stages.
“Now I’ve one more name on the list, I can’t share the name but he is ten times better than Greenwood.”
