Manchester United have reportedly touched base with Southampton to discuss hiring Jason Wilcox as their new director of football.
The 52-year-old - a former player for Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City and Blackpool - entered the world of coaching with the Red Devils' bitter rivals Manchester City after hanging up his boots in 2006.
While at the Etihad, Wilcox specialised in youth development, spending three years as their Under-18s manager from 2013 to 2016 before also moving into senior academy roles until his departure in 2023.
During Wilcox's time in the academy setup at Man City, highly-rated prospects Phil Foden and Brahim Diaz both emerged through the Citizens' ranks; the former is now a regular for Pep Guardiola while Diaz earns his stars at Real Madrid.
Wilcox - who earned three caps for England during his playing heyday - ended his 10-year association with the Premier League champions last year to become Southampton's director of football, as the Saints sought to rebuild after their relegation from the top flight.
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Southampton 'annoyed' by Man United approach
Under the tutelage of first-team coach Russell Martin, Southampton are on course for at least a shot at promotion in the playoffs, sitting fourth in the Championship table prior to the commencement of the Easter Monday fixtures.
According to Sky Sports News, Wilcox's work at Southampton and Man City has attracted the eye of Man United, who have now made an official approach to their Championship counterparts.
The report states that the Red Devils want to appoint the 52-year-old as their new technical director, and the club have made an offer 'equivalent' to one year of the Saints chiefs' salary.
However, Man United's pursuit of Wilcox has hit a roadblock, as while the Red Devils supposedly believe that the proposal meets a release clause in his contract, Southampton are denying the existence of such an option.
Furthermore, the Saints have apparently been left angered by Man United making their approach during the business end of the season, where Martin's men are chasing down Ipswich Town, Leeds United and Leicester City in the race for automatic promotion.
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Wilcox's existing Man United connections
In contrast, their Premier League counterparts supposedly believe that they have been cordial and have followed the correct procedure, and they are loath to fork out a higher compensation package for Wilcox's services.
The Red Devils already possess a significant advantage in their bid to lure the former England international to the club, though, as their new CEO Omar Berrada worked with Wilcox during their time at Man City.
Berrada's hire represented an eye-catching coup for Man United under the new regime of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whose blueprint is taking shape since his minority purchase from the wholly unpopular Glazer family.
The Red Devils are also working to poach Dan Ashworth from Newcastle United as their new sporting director, but the two clubs are supposedly struggling to reach an agreement over a compensation package.
Erik ten Hag's men reside in sixth place in the Premier League table and return to action away to Chelsea on Thursday evening.
Ben Knapton
