Sources have confirmed to HITC that Manchester United have made their move to appoint Southampton’s Jason Wilcox as their new technical director.
Since INEOS took minority ownership of United, they have been working on their new footballing department, and they know they who they want to take up their senior roles – but as yet the only agreement that has been reached is with Manchester City over Omar Berrada, who is set to become their new chief executive this summer.
The club have also targeted Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth to be their sporting director – but as yet the two clubs are yet to reach agreement and he is on gardening leave.
Now, HITC understands that United’s initial approach for Wilcox has been rejected by Southampton – despite the fact he has confirmed his desire to move to Old Trafford. United’s interest in Wilcox emerged in February.
Sources have confirmed that United have offered a full year’s salary as compensation with the belief this was enough to trigger a release clause in his contract – but Southampton are insisting this is not the case.
What Wilcox role would be at United
Wilcox, currently sporting director at Southampton, is being targeted as technical director at United.
HITC has been told that United want Wilcox to oversee all aspects of their youth development, whilst also helping build their recruitment department – both domestically and world-wide.
Previously Wilcox helped Manchester City become a dominant force in both youth and recruitment.
United were dominant in the North West especially during the Sir Alex Ferguson years and whilst they realise that sort of dominance is unlikely to be replicated given the competition from City and Liverpool, they believe they have dropped below the expected levels in the last decade and more.
United are hoping they can finalise a deal for Wilcox and if they can’t – Southampton insist he won’t be released before his notice period, which is understood to be 12-months.
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