A club chief has revealed he tried to sign Mason Greenwood in this transfer window, but claims he is delighted the deal did not go through.
Check Out: Man Utd Star Makes Big Benni Admission
The 22-year-old left Manchester United for Olympique Marseille last month following a successful loan spell in Spain last season.
Greenwood contributed to 16 goals in all competition as he made a return to football following his arrest in January 2022.
Lazio were said to be among the clubs interested in the one-time England international, who has now been criticised by the Italian side's sporting director Angelo Fabiani.
"We wanted Greenwood last year, then there was a hitch with the player – you all know what Greenwood's problem was," he said on Lazio Style Radio.
"An agent this year approached us with the idea of Greenwood moving to Italy. We gave him a deadline, from there an auction was unleashed and I thought I could go up to a certain limit.
"We offered £22 million for 50% of the player, we're talking about €26 million. He preferred to take another path and I say that the best deals are those that aren't made.
"I want [Nicolo] Rovella, [Mattia] Zaccagni, players who love the environment where they work. I don't want these mercenaries, it's lucky not to make certain deals.
Check Out: Real Madrid 'Tell' France Star To Join Man Utd
"I could sell myself for €50 000 more but I have values that my parents passed on to me. If he's taken another path, we wish Greenwood the best of luck."
