MARSEILLE have identified Brighton ace Simon Adingra as their top transfer target as a deal for Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood is taking too long.
L’OM were reportedly close to signing Greenwood, 22, during the summer transfer window for a fee worth an initial £27million.
But SunSport understand the controversial United player is taking too long to decide and thus the French giants have set their sights elsewhere.
Marseille are now looking at Adingra, 22, who played under the club’s new manager Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton last season.
De Zerbi rates the winger highly and is keen on a reunion at the Velodrome this summer.
SunSport understand that Marseille have also held talks with the Ivory Coast international’s camp.
Adingra joined Brighton in 2022 from Nordsjaelland and was immediately sent out on loan to Union Saint-Gilloise.
The Ivorian got his opportunity last season and registered a total of seven goals as well as three assists in 40 appearances for the Seagulls.
Greenwood, on the other hand, is set to leave United after a loan stint at Getafe last season.
The ex-England international was told he will be sold after a meeting with the club’s football leadership team.
Marseille appeared very keen to sign him and the player also looked open to the move.
A deal seemed close despite fans of the Ligue 1 side starting a campaign called #GreenwoodNotWelcome, imploring club chiefs to abandon their pursuit or risk doing “irreversible damage”.
The city’s mayor Benoit Payan was also outraged by the news, telling RMC: “I do not want my club to be covered in shame. It is not acceptable.”
Greenwood was suspended by United in January 2022 before being charged nine months later of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
The winger denied the claims, with all criminal charges eventually being dropped in February 2023.
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