Gerrard responds to Greenwood transfer claims after Al Ettifaq linked

22 August 2023 , 18:08

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Gerrard responds to Greenwood transfer claims after Al Ettifaq linked

Steven Gerrard has blasted claims his club Al-Ettifaq are ready to make a move for Mason Greenwood as "fake news".

Manchester United confirmed on Monday that Greenwood would be leaving the club following an internal investigation. Focus has now turned to how the one-time capped former England international would continue his career, with a move abroad likely.

In February this year, the CPS dropped all criminal charges against the footballer, which included attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

A report on Monday claimed that one side interested in his signature was Al-Ettifaq, who were even prepared to offer the forward a £10million-per-year deal. It was also suggested that other Saudi Arabian clubs were weighing up a move for the forward.

Gerrard – who was appointed at the Dammam-based club this summer following his exit from the Aston Villa dugout last season – has moved to categorically rule out a move. He shared a screenshot of the report with the simple message "fake news" on his Instagram account.

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It has since been reported by the Telegraph and BBC Sport that no Saudi clubs hold an interest in signing Greenwood from United. The forward's exit options are being narrowed down as clubs look to distance themselves from a move.

The reports continue that a number of other clubs are not interested in a move for the player, with Roma ruling out any possibility of a transfer while Milanese giants Inter and Milan share a similar stance on the issue.

Mason Greenwood has not played for Man United since January 2022 (Getty Images)

It has been suggested that the Turkish Super Lig may be one option for Greenwood, who has not played since January 2022 and who will not return to United's training facilities ahead of his impending Old Trafford exit.

Alongside the appointment of Gerrard as their new boss, Al-Ettifaq have signed several former Premier League stars. Chief among them is former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who sensationally left the Reds for a move to the Middle East last month.

Former Fulham and Celtic striker Moussa Dembele also moved to the club following his stint at Lyon, while ex-Wigan and Celtic defender Jack Hendry, a 23-time capped Scotland international, joined from Club Brugge.

Colin Millar