Man Utd approach Southampton over hiring their director of football Jason Wilcox; United want to make the former Blackburn winger their technical director as part of new recruitment team; Saints annoyed at manner and timing of United's approach but United believe they have been respectful
Tuesday 2 April 2024 12:39, UK
Manchester United have approached Southampton about hiring their director of football Jason Wilcox.
United want to make him their technical director as part of the new recruitment team - and an offer equivalent to a year of his salary has been made.
United believe this meets a buyout clause in his contract - but Southampton are disputing the existence of the clause and are understood to be annoyed at the manner and timing of United's approach.
Saints are angered that Wilcox has been unsettled with eight games left as they chase promotion from the Championship, and value him at substantially more in compensation, despite only being at the club for nine months.
United, on the other hand, believe they have been respectful and followed correct processes throughout their pursuit so far, and that it is unrealistic for Southampton to expect a higher sum.
Southampton are prepared to agree a fee with United but one that reflects that they would be losing him at a crucial stage - but there appears to be an impasse with United currently believing they have met the contractual requirements for his release.
New United chief executive Omar Berrada knows Wilcox well from their time together at Manchester City, where Wilcox worked his way up from coach to academy director during 11 years at the club.
Berrada wants the former winger, who won the Premier League with Blackburn in 1995, to form a crucial part of the new recruitment setup at Old Trafford; to be guided, eventually, by sporting director-elect Dan Ashworth.
The 53-year-old is also the subject of talks over a compensation agreement with Newcastle, who have put him on a substantial period of gardening leave that may yet delay his official start until after the summer transfer window.
United are also thought to be looking to add someone in a role that is likely to oversee player pathways throughout the INEOS group, which includes clubs Nice in France and Lausanne in Switzerland.
Southampton manager Russell Martin was asked about Man Utd's approach for Wilcox in his post-match press conference following their 3-2 stoppage-time defeat at Ipswich in the Championship.
"I would say give me at least 10 minutes to get over the disappointment of tonight and we'll chat at some point this week and I'm sure I'll have more for you," Martin said.
"I've not spoken to the club (about it). You know my feelings on Jason, and I'll have a chat with him after.
"I've just had a text saying how proud he was of the performance. The rest is, once I'm told I'll let you know."
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