Man Utd 'slap £50m price-tag' on forward amid Barcelona and Atletico Madrid interest

Mason Greenwood is continuing to attract interest in La Liga and reports suggest a sale of the forward could earn Manchester United £50million.

Greenwood has caught the eye in Spain after joining Getafe on loan in the summer, following United's decision to move him on amid an internal investigation into his conduct. Despite murmurs of a potential U-turn under new-co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the 22-year-old is expected to leave permanently once the window opens again in June.

A tally of six goals and five assists has seen top La Liga clubs take note of Greenwood, with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona both thought to be keeping a close eye on the Reds academy graduate. Football Transfers reports that the former have even enquired about a move but United want a whopping £50m.

Greenwood will only have 12 months left on his United contract come summer and so the likelihood of them getting £50m is relatively low. The report does add that Atleti would not be prepared to meet the valuation but both parties are expected to hold talks after this season is finished.

United clearly have matters to attend to in Spain, with sporting director John Murtough and transfer negotiator Matt Hargreaves spotted in Barcelona last week. The pair are believed to have met with Deco, Barcelona's sporting director, and some agents during their trip.

Greenwood is one of several players United could look to sell in the summer as they raise funds for their own investment. Ratcliffe is planning an overhaul of the playing squad but despite his injection of more than £1billion, funds are not infinite and the era of profitability and sustainability makes balancing the books more important than ever.

More than a dozen senior players could leave and Greenwood will be among the most valuable assets, should he be sold. Alongside him, the likes of Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jadon Sancho - also out on loan - could bring in decent money.

United will use that money to strengthen across the board, with central defence a priority area, given only Lisandro Martinez is likely to remain at Old Trafford beyond the summer. Erik ten Hag will also be keen to bring in a striker, with Rasmus Hojlund still developing and Anthony Martial set to leave as a free agent once his contract expires.