Mason Greenwood 'offered international lifeline' as Man Utd search for new club
Mason Greenwood could still play at international level for Jamaica - if the forward can get his career back on track.
Manchester United have confirmed Greenwood will leave Old Trafford in the near future. The two parties have "mutually agreed" for the 21-year-old to find a new team and will work together to "achieve that outcome" - perhaps before the transfer window closes.
Greenwood has not played professional football since he was arrest in January 2022. The Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in February.
It's unclear whether Gareth Southgate or any future England manager will consider Greenwood for selection. The striker has played once for the Three Lions at senior level but that cap came nearly three years ago.
It was claimed in March that Greenwood has previously turned down the chance to play for Jamaica. Although he's played for England, he will be eligible to switch his international allegiance from next month on the third anniversary of his one and only cap.
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According to FIFA's rules, players are allowed to switch their international allegiance if they have played no more than three competitive games before the age of 21 and the last of those caps came at least three years ago.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Jamaica could still be interested in capping Greenwood. The Football Association worked hard to persuade the player to remain part of the England set up when Jamaica's interest first appeared in 2021.
Southgate hasn't discussed Greenwood's international recall and it could be a while before he needs to make a decision. He won't be considered for international honours until he finds a new club, with United trying to offload him this month.
That could prove very difficult. It's unlikely any team in England would be willing to sign Greenwood at this moment in time, while a move abroad isn't a formality. Indeed, Greenwood is also facing a snub from clubs in Saudi Arabia as revealed by Mirror Football on Tuesday.
Greenwood's only senior England cap came nearly three years ago (AFP via Getty Images)Southgate is also unlikely to be in charge of England by the time Greenwood is available for selection. The manager is expected to step down from his role after next year's Euros in Germany after leading his country in three previous major tournaments.
Greenwood struggled to get his international career up and running before his arrest. He was dropped from the England squad just two days after his senior debut for breaching Covid quarantine guidelines, with Phil Foden also punished by Southgate.
"It's a very serious situation and we have treated it that way and have acted as quickly as we have been able to," said Southgate at the time. "We have dealt with it appropriately. I recognise their age, but the whole world is dealing with this pandemic."
United haven't confirmed exactly when Greenwood's contract will be terminated. There's a chance he could stay at Old Trafford until another club agree to pay a transfer fee.
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