Manchester United have officially contacted Southampton about their sporting director Jason Wilcox, who wants to construct a brand new off-field team within the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era.
United want Wilcox to work with Dan Ashworth, their top goal for the sporting director position, who has been placed on gardening leave by Newcastle following interest from Old Trafford.
Now Manchester United have agreed to pay Southampton a sum equivalent to the 53-year-old’s full annual salary, although Wilcox has only been with the Championship club for nine months.
They are hoping for an affordable and amicable result after reaching an impasse in their attempts to sign Ashworth, with Newcastle wanting £20m for the previous FA technical director.
Wilcox worked with Omar Berrada, United’s recent chief executive, during his time at Manchester City, when he was promoted to academy director and oversaw a youth policy that proved highly helpful to the reigning Premier League champions.
During his time at Southampton, he oversaw a promotion challenge, appointing manager Russell Martin, while also making a transfer market profit of over £150 million.
Wilcox, a former England winger, was a Premier League winner during his time as a Blackburn winger and in addition played for Leeds, Blackpool and Leicester before becoming a coach.
United’s attempt to employ him is a component of Ratcliffe’s efforts to transform the club following the top of his minority investment.
The Ineos billionaire took control of football operations and appointed Jean-Claude Blanc and Sir Dave Brailsford to the club’s board, in addition to taking Berrada away from City.
Credit : www.independent.co.uk
