With a new team said to be interested in suspended Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood, a swap deal of sorts involving one of the Red Devils' main targets could now be on the cards.
The Greenwood conundrum is yet to be decided, despite more than five months having passed since the sexual and physical assault charges against the forward were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Services.
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An internal investigation into the matter was opened in February but, publicly, very little has come from it, with the club believed to be undecided over what to do with the 21-year-old outcast, although a decision is expected soon.
Earlier this week, The Athletic reported that opinions are split at Old Trafford as to whether to reinstate Greenwood into the squad or sanction his departure, even if only on a loan deal.
Some of the Red Devils' commercial partners and women's team are said to be leaning towards cutting ties with the Englishman, while some in the sporting department would prefer he stayed and became a member of Erik ten Hag's squad, with the Dutch boss having previously suggested he is open to allowing Greenwood back into the first team.
However, a new option has now seemingly emerged, with it reported that the Bradford-born striker has attracted the interest of a new team in Serie A.
According to Tutto Atalanta, Atalanta are seriously considering making a move for Greenwood, and are prepared to pounce should he be cast out by United.
Further, it is no secret that the Mancunians are keen on signing Rasmus Hojlund from the Bergamo team after ending their pursuit of Harry Kane, and there is now a possibility that the one-time England international could make the move to Atalanta while the Danish sensation makes his way to Manchester in this window.
It is not clear if Greenwood's switch to Italy would be in a loan or a permanent capacity, but it is believed that Ten Hag would prefer a temporary exit, if any.
According to Eurosport, the Premier League giants willing to splash £50 million (R1.2 billion) on the Atalanta striker without Greenwood being in the mix, but the deal may need to wait until United's ownership change is finalised.
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