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Man Utd 'plot exciting Mason Greenwood swap deal' as John Murtough spotted in Barcelona
Man Utd chief John Murtough has been spotted in talks with Barcelona amid Mason Greenwood links.
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Manchester United football director John Murtough has been filmed alongside the club's director of negotiations Matt Hargreaves in Barcelona amid links to Mason Greenwood . The Red Devils are reportedly eyeing an exciting swap deal that would see Greenwood complete a permanent transfer to the Nou Camp this summer.
On Monday, Spanish outlet Jijantes released a video showing Murtough and Hargreaves meeting a group of individuals in the sunny city.
Among them were Barcelona sporting director Deco and two CAA Base agents, Frank Tramboli and Fede Massai.
CAA Base isn't known to represent any Barcelona players, which raised eyebrows as Greenwood continues to be linked with a summer switch.
The 22-year-old forward doesn't have any official representation, with his father taking a prominent role in negotiations during his career so far.
Murtough and Hargreaves could have been visiting Spain to help Greenwood secure a blockbuster move once his season-long loan at Getafe expires.
He has impressed while reprising his career with the Madrid outfit, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 26 appearances.
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Greenwood's performances have reportedly attracted heavyweight interest among La Liga's biggest clubs, including Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Footage of Murtough meeting Deco, Tramboli and Massai comes just a few days after Sport reported that the Blaugrana had made their move for Greenwood.
Last week, it was claimed that the reigning La Liga champions considered him a low-cost option in anticipation of United's potential eagerness to cash in and end uncertainty over his future.
The report added that Barcelona had already approached United to ask about Greenwood's situation, which returned to the limelight after Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his £1.3billion investment in the club in February.
Ratcliffe insisted that a "fresh" decision would be made on the Bradford-born striker after Richard Arnold allegedly performed a late U-turn on plans to reintegrate him into Erik ten Hag's squad this season.
?????? NOTICIA @JijantesFC
— Jijantes FC (@JijantesFC) March 11, 2024
CUMBRE BARÇA - MANCHESTER UNITED
El director deportivo del United, John Murtaugh y el director de negociaciones, Matt Hargreaves, se han reunido hoy con Deco en Barcelona.
Tambien presentes los dos agentes de CAA Base, Frank Tramboli y Fede Massai.… pic.twitter.com/MvVeVWKotE
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However, it has felt improbable that United would sanction Greenwood's return at the start of a new era under the INEOS banner.
The Red Devils need to raise funds this summer to boost their transfer budget, and Greenwood represents a great opportunity to pocket pure profit.
Sport reported that United are interested in the talent in Barcelona's La Masia, one of world football's most famous academies.
The Catalan giants could cut Greenwood's asking price by offering some youngsters on United's wishlist as part of the deal.