Manchester Evening News

A former Tottenham Hotspur star recalled his decision to reject an offer from Manchester United

Gareth Bale previously revealed he turned down an offer from Manchester United to join Tottenham Hotspur at the start of his career. The Welsh icon faced a similar choice to recent United target Mateus Fernandes, who has completed an £85million move to Spurs.

Bale proved to be a signing that eluded United on multiple occasions, with the club’s initial interest dating back to 2007 after his breakthrough season at Southampton. A 17-year-old Bale, who was then an attacking left-back, ultimately opted to join Spurs, despite United attempting to bring him to Old Trafford.

At the time, United had just reclaimed the Premier League title and would go on to win the Champions League the following year. However, Bale resisted the lure of immediate silverware and more money at United, as he prioritised securing regular first-team football.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don't miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

“I rejected Manchester United and went to Tottenham," Bale recalled in 2023. "At the time, United were the biggest team in the Premier League, winning trophies, with the best players and the best coach.

“The easy decision would have been to go to United, the biggest club in England, when I played for Southampton. You always want to be at the biggest clubs, but I made the decision to play football.

"At that age, many players would look for money and want to go to a bigger club. It was important for my development to keep playing football, that’s why I chose Tottenham.”

The move was not an immediate success, as the Wales international was winless in his first 24 games for Spurs, but an injury-forced switch to the left wing later took his game to new heights. After scoring 26 goals in the 2012/13 season, Bale completed a world record move to Real Madrid,

Much to United’s frustration, Bale rejected the Reds once again in favour of heading to the Spanish capital. He subsequently spent nine years with Los Blancos, winning five Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles

"United and Madrid were the two teams [who were interested],” Bale explained on the Stick to Football podcast. "I did talk to United, yeah. They actually bid more than Madrid."

He continued: "I spoke with David Moyes. Not [Ed Woodward], maybe my agent did. My heart was set on Madrid.

"I had something in place with Daniel Levy, maybe more of a gentleman's agreement, because he didn't want to sell me to a rival. So if a team did come in from Spain, Italy or wherever, I could potentially go because if we didn't qualify for the Champions League, which we didn't, I was then able to go there.”

After leaving Madrid, Bale joined Los Angeles FC ahead of captaining Wales at the 2022 World Cup. Shortly after the tournament, he announced his retirement, aged 34.

The work of one of Manchester United's Premier League rivals is complicating their summer business.

When Manchester United suffered the humiliation of missing out on European football last season, there were bound to be multiple knock-on effects. Along with looking less attractive to transfer targets, the fear was that they would have to cut their summer budget given they would be missing out on the revenue brought by European football.

You would be forgiven for thinking United would embark on a relatively frugal summer. How wrong we were. The Reds spent £225m on four new first-team players, the most expensive being Benjamin Sesko at £73m. This is more than most clubs could dream of spending, and that commitment to getting themselves out of the hole they were in has already paid off.

Fast forward 12 months, and it is now Tottenham who have suffered the embarrassment of finishing outside the European places. Their disastrous season meant until the final whistle of the campaign was blown Spurs' place in the Premier League was not confirmed.

As United did last summer, Spurs are splashing the cash in a bid to return to the Champions League. Already this summer they have agreed to spend £100m on Sandro Tonali and £85m on Mateus Fernandes. The latter deal threw a spanner in the works for the Reds. They had identified the West Ham man as an option to bolster their midfield, replacing the outgoing Casemiro.

While the Reds rated Fernandes highly, they wanted him at a lower price. From United's perspective, there were too many risks associated with the 21-year-old, who was relegated in back-to-back seasons, to justify an £85m spend. Spurs, on the other hand, saw those concerns and chose to ignore them.

In fairness to the north London club, they have to move quickly if they are to compete with teams who can offer Champions League football. If that means paying the asking price, so be it.

Of course, this is a risk for Spurs, especially if Fernandes' move does not work out. And it also has a knock-on effect on United as they move on to other targets.

Take Crysencio Summerville. He is one of a number of players United are considering on the left wing.

It is understood no move for the Netherlands international is imminent. But after a decent World Cup on an individual level, Summerville looks destined to be sold by West Ham.

The problem is that the Hammers' negotiating position is now much stronger than it was. Having already banked £85m for Fernandes, they should be empowered to stick to their valuation for Summerville too.

He is valued at around £50m by West Ham and that fee brings into question whether United see him as value for money or not. He bagged nine goal contributions last season, a modest total in an admittedly underperforming team.

West Ham are under no pressure to sell Summerville now, and they have already seen that clubs are willing to meet the asking price for some of their stars.

If United decide to firm up their interest in Summerville, they may find West Ham are unwilling to negotiate over their asking price, and Spurs have played a big part in that stance.

Manchester United have had little success in the transfer market this summer, but they are believed to be plotting some revenge on Tottenham

Manchester United are plotting to avenge Tottenham Hotspur's signing of Mateus Fernandes by plucking one of their transfer targets. Spurs have all but pipped the Reds to the signing of the West Ham United midfielder.

United had agreed personal terms with the Portuguese midfielder, but Spurs gazumped them by bidding £85million for the ex-Southampton ace. That proved to be the final battle of the transfer saga, as United were not willing to match the figure.

Sandro Tonali was also considered by United but is on his way to Tottenham in a £100m deal. Still hurting from the transfer, United are now looking to sign Tottenham transfer target Crysencio Summerville, who is understood to have agreed personal terms with the north Londoners. It's also been reported that United are "making checks" on Morocco World Cup star Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is heavily linked with Arsenal.

Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by _signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!

It was claimed by Give Me Sport that Tottenham were plotting to hold talks with Summerville, who is admired by their manager, Roberto De Zerbi. However, Sky Sports understands United have made Summerville their No. 1 transfer target on the left wing.

Exploratory talks have already been held with West Ham over a potential deal for the winger, who is valued at more than £50m. Midfield is still the absolute transfer priority for the Reds.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE!Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Bouaddi's displays in the USA for his country have thrust him into the spotlight and onto United's transfer list. Sky Sports also understand they have "made checks" on Bouaddi, who has been discussed at Arsenal and Liverpool.

The 18-year-old is believed to be valued at around £85m by his club Lille. Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund and Fulham star Sander Berge are also believed to be transfer options.

United have already all but signed Ederson from Atalanta, but are yet to officially unveil him. Even with the Brazilian international's arrival, United are short on midfielders with Casemiro departing and Manuel Ugarte suffering a serious injury.

Aurelian Tchouameni is still heavily described as United's dream signing, but his lofty transfer fee and status as a Real Madrid star mean extracting him from the Bernabeu will not be easy.

Last season, United finished third in the Premier League, not long after overhauling their approaches to the transfer window. Director of football Jason Wilcox, with the support of director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, has moved to a more data-led approach, while also prioritising Premier League-proven stars.

It proved to be successful when they signed Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, who all impressed as United finished third.

Mateus Fernandes has joined Tottenham Hotspur despite being heavily linked with an Old Trafford move

Paul Gascoigne has often voiced his regret about joining Tottenham over Manchester United for the money.

Gascoigne was one of the most exciting talents in English football when Sir Alex Ferguson showed interest in signing the playmaker in 1988. The England icon was all set to join the Reds from Newcastle, but a late change of heart, driven by the superior financial package offered by Spurs, resulted in a U-turn, with 'Gazza' snubbing United.

A whopping 38 years later, Mateus Fernandes of West Ham has seemingly done the same. The midfielder was one of United's top transfer targets this summer, having held extensive discussions with club bosses in recent weeks, only to join the north Londoners in an £85million transfer.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE!Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Fernandes' decision raised eyebrows, given the Old Trafford side secured a Champions League place last season while Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League. It is understood that the Portuguese, like Gascoigne, accepted the better financial package, though reports suggest United were also unwilling to match the £85m sum Spurs were willing to offer up front.

But if Fernandes really was motivated by money, Gascoigne's tale is a cautionary one, as he has stated time and again that not joining United in 1988 was his biggest footballing regret. The 59-year-old admitted years later that, if it were possible to turn back the clock, he would have done things differently to achieve sporting success under Sir Alex.

Gascoigne said on The Rest is Football podcast: "Sir Alex Ferguson called us and said, 'I want to sign you' and I went, 'OK, I'll sign' so I went on holiday and he said, 'When you come back from holiday will you be at Old Trafford' and I said, 'Yeah', so I told my dad, 'I'm going to Old Trafford' and he said, 'Brilliant' then two days later the phone went and it was Irving Scholar (former Tottenham chairman)."

He explained that the promise of a bonus for his dad influenced both Gascoigne junior and senior to lean toward White Hart Lane. He added: "I said, 'Dad, it's Tottenham', and he said, 'Tell them to f**** off, you're singing for Man United', so I said, 'F**** off, I'm signing for Man United', so Irving says, 'Tell your dad I'll give him £120,000', so I said, 'Dad they're going to give you £120,000 if I sign for Tottenham' and he went, 'What are you waiting for then son?'"

In a shocking twist, Gascoigne then explained how it wasn't just financial incentive that sweetened the deal but the promise of gifts for his family - including a sunbed. He said: "I went, 'Oh yeah, I think I'm about to sign for Tottenham'. He (his dad) hadn't moved off the chair and he said, 'I want a BMW soft top with a private reg', so I rang Irving back and said, 'Can me dad have that?' and he said, 'Oh yeah, consider it done'.

"So I passed Old Trafford on the way (to Spurs), and I was worried but then as I got close I rang my sister and she said, 'Paul, if my mum is getting a house and dad's getting a car, then I want a sunbed', so the deal was done on the sunbed."

Gascoigne went on to become an icon at Spurs, winning the FA Cup in 1991. But the England hero still feels he would have been better served playing his best football for United - something he still deeply regrets.

He said in 2015: "Sometimes I do look back and think what would have been if… would I have won all those trophies. When I signed for Spurs, Man United became great, and they started winning everything. I look at that, and it's probably one of the regrets I have."

Sir Alex has also maintained that not signing Gazza was the biggest disappointment of his managerial career. That’s despite the Scot’s initial fury at the player's decision, having refused to speak to him for a considerable amount of time afterwards before patching things up.

Gascoigne recalled: "I went and signed for Spurs, and then I got fan mail. The first letter was from Sir Alex Ferguson. It wasn't a good letter. I got caned. I was like [to myself], 'I can't believe you turned down the biggest club.'"

Manchester City are close to confirming one major transfer but their summer business under Enzo Maresca is far from over.

After weeks of back and forth, Manchester City are finally on the verge of completing a move for Elliot Anderson after a £116m fee was agreed with Nottingham Forest. The England international's participation at the World Cup has delayed the official announcement but City know the 23-year-old will be at the Etihad Stadium next season.

While Anderson is the first player signed to fill the considerable gap left behind by Bernardo Silva, he is unlikely to be the only midfield arrival. With Rodri's future in doubt, a further addition in the centre is likely and a number of players are on City's watchlist.

One of those was Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. After a tough start to life at St James' Park, the 26-year-old flourished. Unfortunately for Newcastle, missing out on the Champions League has made the challenge of keeping Tonali extremely difficult.

Tottenham Hotspur had shown interest in Tonali last month but their agreed £85m deal for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes looked to have stalled that move. Surely they would not pay £185m for two midfielders? How wrong we were. As the country celebrated England's dramatic 2-1 victory over DR Congo, Spurs agreed a £100m fee with Newcastle for the midfielder.

That has sent shockwaves through the Premier League, not least at the Etihad Stadium, where the Blues' recruitment team must now go back to the drawing board. City have an extensive list of potential midfielders, so all is not lost.

Spurs' move for Tonali shows they will mean business next season. While signing the Italy international no longer looks a possibility for City, his departure from St James' Park does potentially pave the way for another transfer.

It is no secret that Newcastle would like James Trafford to join them this summer. City's goalkeeper was on Eddie Howe's radar last year as he looked to replace Nick Pope.

However, once City caught wind of the deal, they jumped in and brought Trafford back to the Etihad. Little did Trafford know, he would become the Blues' second-choice goalkeeper after Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived from Paris Saint-Germain.

His performances in both domestic cups kept his stock high and earned Trafford a place in England's World Cup squad. But Trafford has made it clear that he wants to be a No.1 goalkeeper.

Enzo Maresca could reinstate Trafford as first choice, but Donnarumma is the favourite to keep that starting spot. If that is the case, Trafford will consider his options.

With Aaron Ramsdale leaving St James' Park, Newcastle are back in the market for a goalkeeper and Trafford is once again on their wishlist. The Magpies, with the Tonali millions in their pocket, will now be encouraged to make a move for him.

They have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and adding Tonali to the list of outgoings only strengthens their spending power. But City will come into negotiations from a position of strength.

At this stage, they are in no rush to sell Trafford. While he is at the World Cup, the 23-year-old insists he is focused on international football, rather than his future.

He also has four years remaining on his contract, meaning the Blues can hold out for their desired asking price. As for Newcastle's approach, City know they have the funds available to get their asking price.

They can play hardball and there's little Howe can do about it. Missing out on Tonali is a blow for the Blues but at least they are in a powerful position should they look to sell Trafford this summer.

West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes continues to be pursued for a summer move to Manchester United, but Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in the Portuguese star

Manchester United face fierce competition from Tottenham Hotspur for West Ham star Mateus Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder is understood to be open to a move to Old Trafford this summer.

But The Independent report that the Hammers are insistent on a significant proportion of any agreed price up front. It is also claimed that Spurs have offered a higher package overall.

Their wage proposal to Fernandes is said to be higher than United’s, and the 21-year-old is very keen on the move. It is therefore clear that the Reds will need to offer Fernandes higher wages, more money up front to West Ham, and a larger overall financial package to the Hammers too.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don't miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

West Ham have slapped an £85m price tag on Fernandes, but that will be a starting point in negotiations with a club that needs to raise cash to get back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The value of Manchester City's £120m plus bid for Elliot Anderson shows that the midfielder market is inflated, though. Top midfielders are in high demand, and the clubs in possession of those players will hold out for as much cash as possible.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE!Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Anderson was viewed as a dream signing at Old Trafford, so it is no surprise United are also considering Fernandes. The Portuguese star could have more upside than the England international as he is two years younger, so should keep on improving.

Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have also been linked with Fernandes, so United may need to act quickly if they are to secure his signature.

And his former coach, Vasco Seabra, has told Radio Renascenca why Fernandes is so sought after by some of Europe's biggest clubs.

He said: “He has a huge range of abilities. I mean, he has technical quality and he’s a kid with a fantastic heart and mentality.

“We expected, and I particularly expected, that he could reach top teams very quickly, but it would be false of me to say I expected that, two years later, he could be in Real Madrid’s plans. He was really very young when he came through us.”

Seabra backed Fernandes to succeed in the Premier League. He added: “I expected he could reach Premier League level in a very short time. He really had a mentality and a daily commitment, both in training and matches, that made me believe he could reach a very high level.”

Midfield is the priority position United are seeking to strengthen and the Reds have already agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta. The Brazilian will join after a £35m initial fee, plus £3.8m in add-ons, was finalised between the two clubs.

Mateus Fernandes has been frequently linked with a move to Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur this summer, but Liverpool have reportedly joined the race

Liverpool have reportedly shown an interest in Mateus Fernandes this summer, with the West Ham midfielder having regularly been linked with moves to either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur. United have been heavily linked with signing Fernandes this summer as they continue their plans to strengthen their squad.

Fernandes is reported to be valued at around £80million and has been mentioned as a target for United for several weeks as they look to add reinforcements to their midfield.

Tottenham and Arsenal have also been linked with Fernandes, but United are still being mentioned as a potential destination as they look to strike their next deal of the summer.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don't miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

United have agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta after a £35million initial fee, plus £3.8million in add-ons, was finalised between the two clubs.

Fernandes had not previously been mentioned as a Liverpool target this summer, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has shed some light on the Portuguese international's situation.

Romano has revealed that Liverpool made a "call" to West Ham to enquire about the 21-year-old, offering a glimpse into the club's summer plans.

"I will tell you something that was not so public in the recent days and weeks," Romano said on the Born 'N Red YouTube channel.

"Liverpool made a call two weeks ago to understand the situation Mateus Fernandes at West Ham, to understand the price and conditions, but they didn't return with any bid or any official conversation.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE!Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

"But they made a call two weeks ago, I can guarantee that. Tottenham and Manchester United are busy with a deal, so there are so many clubs involved.

"The player is going to be expensive, more than £85million. It means Liverpool are working on midfielders."

It remains to be seen what United and Liverpool have planned for the rest of the summer, and whether or not Fernandes will feature as a serious target for either club.

Regarding midfield additions, the future of Curtis Jones has become a talking point at Anfield this summer.

Inter Milan have declared their interest in the 25-year-old, but the Reds turned down a £21.7million offer from the Serie A club over the weekend.

The Italian giants' bid fell considerably short of Liverpool's asking price, with the Reds reportedly holding out for a fee closer to £35million this summer.

A Premier League star who previously had trials at Manchester United is reportedly weighing up his future this summer

Manchester United could have a third chance to sign Lucas Bergvall after suffering two missed opportunities. The 20-year-old midfielder twice had trials with the club before he signed for Tottenham Hotspur in 2024.

Bergvall was a breakthrough star in his first campaign with Tottenham, clinching the supporters’ player of the year award. The Sweden international became a regular under Ange Postecoglou and played a key role in the club’s journey to Europa League glory, despite missing the final against United through injury.

However, it has been claimed that Bergvall is currently exploring his options after falling down the pecking order at Spurs, who are targeting Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. It has been reported by BBC Sport that Bergvall’s representatives have held talks with Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don't miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

United demonstrated their interest in Bergvall when the Sweden international was a teenager. His reported desire to leave Spurs this summer gives United a green light to revive their pursuit.

Bergvall’s first trial period at United came in 2020, shortly before Brexit regulations prevented clubs from recruiting under-18 players from overseas. He later returned to Carrington in 2022, despite United not being able to sign the Swedish prospect until 2024.

MEN Sport has previously reported that a turnover of recruitment staff contributed to United not finalising a move for Bergvall during his second trial. He signed for Swedish side Djurgarden later that year, where his performances prompted Spurs to make their move.

After becoming an instant hit at Tottenham, he lost his place in the side last term due to managerial changes. Bergvall earned just 11 league starts as his career stalled.

The gifted midfielder is weighing up his options as Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi targets Tonali. United are already aware of Bergvall’s potential and what he could add to the squad as Michael Carrick’s side undergo their own midfield rebuild.

United are in the market for central midfielders following Casemiro’s exit this summer. The Reds have already struck a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson and have been linked with several other players.

Bergvall’s situation presents United with an opportunity to correct past mistakes. Moreover, he has previously been likened to Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong, one of United’s former transfer targets.

"His best position is as a number eight,” Djurgarden sports coordinator Peter Kisfaludy told football.london in 2024. “He's a box-to-box player, running into the box and he's really good at playing the ball between the lines.

“He's a little copy of Frenkie de Jong. He's really fast with the ball, really good with the ball and a fantastic dribbler."

Bergvall will be eager to earn regular starts next season after a disjointed campaign with Sputs. While guaranteeing a spot in United’s midfield would be a tough task, the young midfielder could end a transfer saga that began six years ago by arriving at Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford is back to being a Manchester United player after Barcelona opted not to take up the clause which would have allowed them to sign him permanently

Marcus Rashford has been added to Tottenham Hotspur's list of transfer targets. Rashford put in a strong performance for England in their World Cup triumph over Croatia, but his club future remains uncertain.

He had hoped to stay at Barcelona, where he spent last season on loan, but they opted to sign Anthony Gordon rather than make Rashford's switch permanent. The striker is set to return Manchester United after his England exploits, though he is not anticipated to stay at Old Trafford.

However, Tottenham, who have already brought in Andrew Robertson, Marco Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, are understood to be unwilling to meet the £40million release clause in his United contract, which was the sum Aston Villa would have needed to pay had they signed him permanently during his 2024-25 loan spell.

According to the i Paper, Tottenham are considering submitting a reduced bid for the United forward. However, the England international may not be as keen on relocating to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as it's also suggested he would favour a move overseas.

Bayern Munich have also been linked with an interest in the United academy product. Villa are also understood to be in contention following his reasonably successful loan period between January and June 2025.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Barcelona have expressed a willingness to take him on loan again, but United are believed to be uninterested by the idea of sending him away temporarily again.

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi is thought to be a massive fan of Rashford's ability. His direct running and attacking intent would also suit De Zerbi's high-intensity approach perfectly.

Tottenham are prioritising Premier League proven talent to reshape their squad this season. Following their narrow escape from relegation last campaign, they are attempting to complete their transfer dealings swiftly.

During his temporary stint at the Nou Camp, he registered 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances for the Catalans. Last season, Spurs were short of firepower, managing just 48 goals in 38 Premier League fixtures.

Rashford's time at United began to sour when he fell out with Ruben Amorim, who sent him on loan to Villa and then jettisoned him from the first team squad upon his return. Despite Michael Carrick now being in situ, the situation between the United academy graduate and Rashford has not changed.

Alan Shearer even urged Carrick to not even consider bringing Rashford back into the fold, saying: "I don't think it will be difficult for Rashford to focus on his game at the World Cup because ultimately he has a contract at Man United, albeit they don't want him and he doesn't want to be there, but he has got a contract behind him so it's not as if he's struggling for cash.

"Things will get sorted. I think both may be playing a game. Barcelona may be testing Man United by refusing to pay what they want and then it'll get so late into the transfer window and Man United won't want him in their squad.

"I don't think it'll be at all worrying for Rashford. I think he'll be able to focus for England. After all, he is playing in the biggest tournament. I don't think that will be an issue at all.

Mason Greenwood is planning a move away from Marseille this summer and Manchester United will profit if he does switch clubs

Mason Greenwood would make Manchester United millions if he moves on from Marseille this summer. However, this transfer will not be to north London as Tottenham are not in for the attacker.

Greenwood has scored 48 goals and assisted 17 times from 81 appearances in France, pushing him to the forefront of this summer's transfer window. There were rumours that Spurs were planning to move for the 24-year-old, offering him a return to the Premier League.

Football London has confirmed that there is no interest in bringing Greenwood to the club, despite his former manager, Roberto De Zerbi, praising him during his time at Marseille. The current Spurs manager claimed that the player - who had attempted rape and assault charges dropped against him in 2023 - was a "good guy" who was handed a "heavy price."

Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!

De Zerbi said at the time: "I don't want to get involved in anyone's private life. All I can see is that Mason seems a good lad; he paid in a strong way for what happened. He has probably here found the right environment for him, which gave him affection, and held out its hand to him.

"When I look at him as a person, I feel sad for what happened in his life, without getting into the details. Because the person I know here is very different to the one that has been described, especially in England."

This response led to fan backlash before De Zerbi joined Spurs, and he apologised for the comments after his deal in north London was confirmed. He said: "I have never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women or violence against anyone more broadly.

"In my life, I have always stood up for who are more vulnerable, more fragile. I have consistently fought and taken a stand to be on the side of those who are more at risk. Those of you who know me well will know I'm not the type of person who makes compromises to win more games or to win an extra title. I apologise to those who I offended with this subject matter.

"I have a daughter, and I'm very sensitive to these things and always have been. I hope that over time, people will get to know me better and will understand that in that moment, I didn't mean to take a stance."

While Spurs are not in the race for Greenwood, Marseille are still keen to let the goalscorer go this summer.

L'Equipe reports that the club will consider all offers and a deal is desired before the end of June. Roma have been credited with an interest, with a fee of around £35million (€40m) proposed by the Italians.

Marseille are expecting at least £47m (€55m) before they let the 24-year-old go, as per Corriere dello Sport. Reports suggest that Roma could make a secondary offer of around £40m (€45m), plus £4.3m (€5m) in add-ons.

This deal could in turn benefit United, despite Greenwood initially departing Old Trafford in 2024. The club holds a 40% sell-on clause, so a deal this summer could significantly boost Michael Carrick's transfer war chest.

If Roma does move forward with the £43.3m deal in the coming days, United would make around £17m in total. With Ederson on his way to the club this summer and plenty more players linked, Carrick would welcome the incoming cash to bolster his squad for next season.