Manchester United target Wilcox as their next technical director

Manchester United have made extended a formal approach to Southampton for the director of football Jason Wilcox as per a source

Wilcox is United’s top target to take up their new technical director role as part of the recruitment overhaul being led by co-owner Ratcliffe and his INEOS team. 

The club have put forward a formal offer of compensation for the former England winger, even though no terms have yet been agreed with the Saints. 

As per a source, the Championship side are unhappy with the untimely approach as they try to earn promotion back to the Premier League . 

Southampton boss Russell Martin said post the 3-2 defeat to Ipswich on Monday: "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 want Wilcox on board before the summer transfer window. 

Their bid to bring in Dan Ashworth as the director of football has stalled due to Newcastle United’s unwillingness to cut short their demands. 

Ashworth is presently on gardening leave, a suspension from work on full pay for the entire notice period, and the Red Devils will be eager to avoid a similar situation with the former Black Rovers player. They are hopeful to reach compromises with both Newcastle and Southampton. 

Wilcox is widely regarded as United's incoming CEO Omar Berrada after their time together at the Etihad. He supervised the Man City academy before joining Southampton in 2023. 

As a player, Wilcox was an integral part of Blackburn’s 1995 Premier League title winning side and made three international appearances for England between 1996 and 2000.