The Italian, who was at Brighton in the Premier League last season, is aware of the links to the forward.
Advertisement
Advertisement
While a deal is not officially concluded, Marseille are thought to have seen a bid accepted by Manchester United for Greenwood.
Speaking to reporters this week, De Zerbi stated: “Greenwood isn’t recruited yet so there isn’t much to say. He’s a champion, an international level player.
“I don’t know what happened, I’m not concentrating on private lives. When a player signs for the club, I consider him my child.
“Even if I can pull his ear in private, I will defend him publicly. My players are like my sons.”