Manchester United have made a formal approach to Southampton for director of football Jason Wilcox, according to a source. Wilcox is the top target for United to become their new technical director as part of a recruitment shake-up led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team.
The club has submitted a formal offer of compensation for Wilcox, a former Blackburn Rovers and England winger, although terms have not yet been agreed with Southampton. The Championship side is reportedly unhappy with the timing of the approach as they aim to secure promotion back to the Premier League.
Southampton manager Russell Martin, following their 3-2 defeat to Ipswich, expressed his disappointment and mentioned that discussions would take place later in the week. He confirmed that he had not spoken to the club about the situation and indicated that he would have a conversation with Wilcox soon.
Manchester United is eager to have Wilcox in place before the summer transfer window. Their attempt to appoint Dan Ashworth as director of football has faced obstacles due to Newcastle United's reluctance to lower their demands. Ashworth is currently on gardening leave, and United is looking to avoid a similar situation with Wilcox. Negotiations are ongoing with both Newcastle and Southampton.
Wilcox is familiar to United's incoming CEO Omar Berrada from their time together at Manchester City. Wilcox, 53, previously oversaw the academy at the Etihad Stadium before joining Southampton in the summer of 2023. As a player, he was part of Blackburn's 1995 Premier League title-winning team and earned three caps for England between 1996 and 2000.
