MANCHESTER United are about to make a decision on whether to keep hold of suspended England striker Mason Greenwood.
The Premier League giants will rule this month on whether to restore the 21-year-old to manager Erik ten Hag's squad or encourage him to move elsewhere.
Greenwood was exiled from the Old Trafford club after being charged with sexual offences and violence against a woman after troubling images were posted online in January last year.
He was later charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour, but the CPS dropped its case in February.
The £75,000-a-week star has been suspended on full pay but has been undergoing private one-to-one coaching sessions at an £85-an-hour public pitch – and expects to hear very soon whether he has a future at the club.
The Sun revealed on Saturday former United boss Jose Mourinho had telephoned Greenwood to sound him out about a loan move to Italian Serie A side Roma.
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A source said: "Jose rang Mason’s dad and also spoke with Mason. He told him the best way out of his current situation is to start playing football — and that eventually all the hassle will fade away.
"Mason was pleased that he got in touch and it has lifted his spirits.
"He wants to get back playing and is just waiting for United to tell him what the future holds."
Former Red Devils defender Chris Smalling — who played with Greenwood — left Old Trafford for Roma on loan in 2019.
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United are said to have had contact with other Italian teams Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan about potential moves.
Greenwood is set to become a dad later this month, with his partner, enjoying a baby shower with pals this weekend.
She posed in front of a flower backdrop and was spotted hugging various friends.
She also flashed a beaming smile while cradling her bump in front of a balloon arch.
The couple were previously spotted at the five-star Langham Hotel in central London.
Greenwood was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for his country since.
Two days after the Iceland game he and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden were withdrawn from the squad for breaching Covid guidelines by leaving the part of the hotel where they were staying.
New photos have shown how the striker has discarded his long wavy hair in favour of a crew cut.
A source said: “Mason hasn’t really been out for a good few months so he hasn’t really had to bother too much with his personal appearance.
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“But getting a new trim is another indication that he is going to be playing football somewhere next season.”
Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for Manchester United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
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