Roma has taken a big step toward one of the summer's biggest transfers - Mason Greenwood has agreed on personal terms and given the green light to a move to the Stadio Olimpico. The 24-year-old forward wants to play for the team of Gian Piero Gasperini, who returns to the Champions League next season.

The framework of the deal was set after several weeks of talks with the player's representatives: a long-term contract with a starting salary of over 4 million euros per season, plus bonuses and scheduled increases. The personal terms, in other words, are settled - what's left is the „trifle" called the transfer fee.

And that trifle is anything but trifling. Marseille is asking 55 million euros for the former Manchester United forward, while Roma plans to open at around 40. Fifteen million in difference is room for long haggling - and in negotiations like these, the player's wish is the buyer's strongest card. Greenwood is already preparing to leave France, and Marseille knows it.

The numbers behind the interest are clear: 48 goals in 81 matches across all competitions since he arrived in Marseille - the status of one of the most productive forwards in France. Earlier this summer Fenerbahçe was also linked with him, and other clubs followed his situation, but Roma is now by far the furthest along in talks.

The owners from the Friedkin group want a loud reinforcement after qualifying for the Champions League, and Gasperini wants exactly what Greenwood offers - quality and creativity in the final third. Everything is in place. The only question is whether 40 million will become 55 - or whether somewhere in the middle the two will shake hands.