With Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag revealing that Mason Greenwood's return is not his decision to make, it is now reported the Englishman will only be allowed back into the fold on one clear condition.
The Red Devils are yet to wrap up their season, with a thrilling FA Cup final against town rivals Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday awaiting before the curtain will finally come down on their 2022/23 campaign.
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It is after that crunch fixture that United are reportedly set to make a decision on Greenwood's future.
The striker remains suspended pending an ongoing internal investigation following his arrest on charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm last year.
The Red Devils have maintained their silence on the issue, but it was suggested soon after the charges were dropped in February – after key witnesses withdrew their involvement – that the 21-year-old would not return to the club's first team for the remainder of the season.
In the months since, the Mancunians have reportedly considered three courses of action: terminating the player's fully-paid contract, selling him to another club, or allowing him back into the squad in 2023/24.
Ten Hag, who had been mum on the issue for months, earlier this week indicated that he will not have the final say on the player's future at Old Trafford, but added that he appreciates the marksman's ability to score goals.
The situation now appears to be nearing a conclusion as the side's pre-season preparations officially begin on 12 July, with a decision on Greenwood's future at the Theatre of Dreams expected to have been reached by then.
According to the Daily Mirror, however, the striker will only be allowed to return to the club's first team if both the women's side and commercial partners unanimously agree on the decision to do so.
It is further stated that the call could ultimately come down to club CEO Richard Arnold and the owners, the Glazer family, ahead of any potential takeover.
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Some members of United's women's team are believed to be uncomfortable with the idea of Greenwood returning to the playing fold, while the Red Devils are also understood to be concerned about the outrage his reintegration could trigger and the knock-on effect that could bring to their commercial partners.
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