Southampton sporting director Jason Wilcox resigns amid Manchester United approach

02/04/2024 12:30

Jason Wilcox has stood down from his Southampton sporting director role amid Manchester United’s approach, talkSPORT understands.

The Red Devils had their advancement for the talented former England international rejected.

Wilcox previously worked for Man City’s academy

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The Red Devils offered the Saints a year of Wilcox's salary in an attempt to prise him away from St Mary’s.

However, the Championship side are disputing that this meets a release clause in his contract, especially as he would be expected to start work immediately.

The Saints won’t release him until they receive compensation.

And if United don’t cough up the required cash, he may yet be forced to see out 12 months of gardening leave.

Southampton are also unhappy with the way the approach for their sporting director has played out.

Sources at the club are also surprised by Wilcox wanting to leave his position.

Wilcox, who won the Premier league title with Blackburn as a player, only joined Southampton from Manchester City in the summer.

It was there he was credited with helping develop talents such as Phil Foden, Rico Lewis and Chelsea‘s Cole Palmer during his six year tenure.

Ratcliffe is already making big decisions as he helps overhaul Manchester United

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He is considered to be a key staff member at St Mary's, but it’s believed Wilcox wishes to make the move to Old Trafford.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is already looking to make key backroom additions as he attempts to return Manchester United to their former glories.

Southampton risk losing their sporting director

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Ratcliffe’s £1.25billion investment into the Red Devils went through in late February and he is working quickly to make changes.

Omar Berrada is set to join the club from Man City at the end of the season as the club’s new chief executive.

And it’s believed Berrada has recommened Wilcox highly having worked with him

Meanwhile, Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth could also head to Old Trafford.

Ashworth’s Toon exit has already been announced as he completes gardening leave which will end in 2026 – unless Man United fork out the money desired by the St James’ Park club.