MASON Greenwood could be stepping out at Valley Parade next month.

The pre-season friendly between Sunderland and Olympique Marseille, which the Bantams have agreed to host, could see the striker feature in his home city.

According to The Athletic, Marseille have reached agreement in principle to sign the 22-year-old from Manchester United.

Greenwood, who was born in Wibsey and attended Appleton Academy in Wyke, has been linked with a number of other European clubs this summer after scoring 10 goals in 36 games on loan at Spanish La Liga side Getafe last season.

Italian duo Lazio and Juventus have been monitoring the situation but Marseille appear to be clear favourites – although the report claims work on finalising the deal still needs to be done.

 

 

Greenwood was suspended by United on January 30, 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.

He faced charges including attempted rape and assault but the Crown Prosecution Service announced in February last year that the case had been discontinued.

City offered to stage Sunderland’s friendly on Saturday, August 3 because the pitch at the Stadium of Light will not be ready.

The Black Cats were keen to play at a big enough ground within close proximity of the north east. The easy access to Leeds/Bradford airport will also appeal to fans travelling from France.

The Bantams, who are in action at non-league Altrincham that day, are likely to make a sizeable amount in ticket sales.

The fixture will mark the 15-year anniversary of the death of Robert Louis-Dreyfus, father of Sunderland chairman Kyril.

His dad was a driving force behind the French club as their majority shareholder from 1996 to 2009.