Barcelona are reportedly willing to offer Mason Greenwood the club's famous number 10 shirt as part of a £40m move for him during next summer's transfer window.
Having been told by Manchester United over the summer that his time at the club was over, Greenwood moved to Spain with Getafe, and he has impressed during his loan spell at Estadio Coliseum, scoring five goals and registering four assists in 15 appearances in all competitions.
As it stands, the forward will return to Man United at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, as he has a contract with the 20-time English champions until June 2025.
There have recently been claims that the Red Devils could change their stance and bring him back into the first-team set-up but that is still believed to be highly unlikely.
Getafe are thought to have told Man United that they would be willing to pay £40m to sign the 22-year-old on a permanent basis next summer.
However, a recent report claimed that Barcelona had moved to the head of the queue for his signature, with the Catalan outfit identifying him as a leading target for 2024.
According to The Sun, Xavi's side are willing to pay £40m for Greenwood next year and are ready to offer him the chance to wear Lionel Messi's iconic number 10 shirt.
Messi sported the famous jersey between 2008 and 2021 before leaving Camp Nou, and the number was then handed to Ansu Fati, who is currently on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Real Madrid are also said to be keen on Greenwood, but Barcelona allegedly hope that the chance to sport the iconic shirt at Camp Nou will put them in the driving seat to complete a deal.
Almost two years ago, following accusations from a woman, the forward was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault, and he was then further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.
Greenwood was also facing charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, but there is no longer a case against him, with all charges being dropped.
The Red Devils academy product was expected to be reintroduced into the set-up at Man United this season, but the club allegedly changed their mind at the final moment due to the public backlash.
Greenwood, who was back in Manchester for the Christmas period, has scored 35 goals and registered 12 assists in his 29 appearances for Man United in all competitions.
The forward has three goals and four assists in 14 La Liga outings this season, with his form key to helping Getafe occupy eighth position in the table. body check tags ::
