Man United make formal offer to Southampton for Jason Wilcox as they look to ex-Man City man to mastermind their summer transfer revamp… but Saints are holding out for more money
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Manchester United have made a formal offer to meet Jason Wilcox’s buy-out clause at Southampton in an attempt to ensure the director of football will be in place to mastermind this summer’s transfer window at Old Trafford.
Mail Sport has learned that United have agreed to pay Southampton 12 months of Wilcox’s wages as compensation, but the Championship club are understood to be holding out for a bigger package and a deal has yet to be agreed.
Wilcox has kept a low profile at Southampton since news of United’s interest first emerged in February, but he has not been placed on formal gardening leave.
The 52-year-old only joined the club last summer after spending 11 years working at Manchester City in various junior squads, with his last six years spent as Academy director overseeing the development of stars such as Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, Oscar Bobb and Cole Palmer.
United’s pursuit of Wilcox is in danger of becoming their second acrimonious attempt to add to their recruitment team this summer with Newcastle refusing to drop their demands for £20million in compensation to secure the release of Dan Ashworth.
Manchester United have made a formal approach to bring Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox (left) to the club
The 52-year-old (right) spent 11 years working at Manchester City in various junior squads
United’s pursuit of Wilcox is in danger of becoming their second acrimonious attempt to add to their recruitment team since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe (pictured) to the club
Southampton are understood to be unhappy at the timing of United’s approach given the club are battling to secure promotion to the Premier League with eight games left.
Saints manager Russell Martin was asked about the news directly after their dramatic late 3-2 defeat to Ipswich.
He responded: '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.
'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.”
United feel they have acted professionally and respectfully in going through the formal channels to speak to Southampton about Wilcox, holding several weeks of talks before making a formal offer.
The club view Wilcox as a key appointment who would work alongside Ashworth in the new recruitment structure being assembled by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford.
Given Newcastle’s position United have given up hope of securing Ashworth before the summer so have made recruiting Wilcox their priority.
