Manchester United have made a formal approach for Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox – but face a significant hurdle.
United are keen to make Wilcox, 52, the latest addition to their new-look footballing department ran by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS colleagues. Ratcliffe, who recently purchased a 27.7 per cent stake at Old Trafford, has already helped hire Omar Berrada as the club’s new CEO, while Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth remains in talks to join the Red Devils.
Multiple reports say that United want to make Wilcox an integral part of their revamped recruitment team. Ratcliffe and co are claimed to have offered Southampton a year of Wilcox’s salary as compensation, a sum which United chiefs believe meets a buyout clause in the Bolton-born former Blackburn winger’s contract.
But the Saints are reportedly disputing the existence of such a clause and are understood to be unhappy with both the manner and timing of United’s approach, although the Red Devils insists that they’ve been respectful. Southampton’s anger comes from the fact that they’re deep in a promotion chase, hoping to secure a return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
There are also reports claiming that Wilcox, who joined the Saints in January 2023, has already resigned but that would trigger a 12-month notice period. Incoming United CEO Berrada knows the 52-year-old well from their time at Manchester City, as Wilcox spent 11 years working his way up at the club and went from coach to academy director, a role in which he oversaw the development of players such as Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb.
Berrada hopes that the ex-Blackburn, Leeds, Leicester and Blackpool star can help improve United’s recruitment department which would eventually be led by Ashworth. The Newcastle chief was recently put on a period of gardening leave which prevents him from taking a new job until June 2026.
Newcastle are reportedly demanding as much as £20million for the former FA and Brighton chief, with Ratcliffe describing their stance as “silly.” “We have had words with Newcastle, who would be disappointed,” the INEOS chairman told reporters in February after completing his investment.
“They have done really well since their new ownership. I understand why they would be disappointed but then you can’t criticise Dan because it’s a transient industry. You can understand why Dan would be interested because it’s the ultimate challenge. We’ll have to see how it unfolds.” (Mirror)