Lazio are blaming Manchester United over their failure to sign Mason Greenwood on deadline day.
United confirmed last month that Greenwood would not play for the club again following their internal investigation into his arrest in January 2022 for attempted rape, controlling behaviour and assault.
All charges against Greenwood were dropped in February, and United have spent several months deciding the 21-year-old’s future at Old Trafford, including the prospect of reintegrating him into Erik ten Hag’s squad.
However, United ultimately decided against Greenwood’s return and the forward is now looking to continue his career elsewhere.
Lazio had held extensive talks over signing Greenwood on the final day of the summer transfer window but ran out of time in order to complete a deal with United.
Lazio’s president, Claudio Lotito, claims Greenwood was keen to join the Serie A club but United did not sign the paperwork in time.
‘I tried until the last minute,’ Lotito told La Lazio Siamo Noi shortly after the Italian transfer window closed on Friday evening.
‘They didn’t countersign in time. He wanted to come to Lazio.’
Asked if Lazio would try again in the January window, Lotito replied: ‘Let’s see.’
La Lazio Siamo Noi also reports that Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri was against the club’s push to sign Greenwood due to concerns over the player’s attitude and fitness level.
Greenwood, who has not played a competitive game since January 2022, still has two years left on his £75,000-a-week deal with United.
The 21-year-old could still move to the Turkish Super Lig as their transfer window remains open until September 15.
Saudi Arabia has been floated as another possible destination for Greenwood and their transfer window will close on September 7.
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