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Manchester United have made a formal offer to meet Jason Wilcox’s buyout clause at Southampton in a bid to ensure the football director will be present to determine this summer’s transfer window at Old Trafford.
Mail Sport has learned that United have agreed to pay 12 months’ Wilcox wages to Southampton in compensation, but the Championship club appear to be waiting for a bigger package and a deal is 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 at Manchester City in various junior teams, spending the last six years as Academy Director overseeing the development of stars including Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, Oscar Bobb and Cole Palmer.
United’s pursuit of Wilcox threatens to become the second bitter attempt to expand their recruitment squad this summer, with Newcastle refusing to drop their demands for £20m in compensation to secure the release of Dan Ashworth.
Manchester United have made a formal approach to bringing Southampton football director Jason Wilcox (left) to the club
The 52-year-old (right) spent eleven years at Manchester City in various junior teams
United’s search for Wilcox threatens to become the second bitter attempt to expand their recruitment team since Sir Jim Ratcliffe (pictured) arrived at the club
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It is believed that Southampton are unhappy with the timing of United’s approach as the club battles for promotion to the Premier League with eight games remaining.
United believe they have acted professionally and respectfully in discussing Wilcox through formal channels with Southampton. They had conversations for weeks before making a formal offer.
The club views Wilcox as a key appointment who would work alongside Ashworth in the new recruitment structure being put together by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford.
Given Newcastle’s position, United have given up hope of securing Ashworth before the summer and have therefore made signing Wilcox their priority.