Saints fury at United Wilcox bid

Compensation battle brews over director of football New obstacle to Ratcliffe’s restructure at Old Trafford

Manchester United’s approach for Jason Wilcox has sparked anger at Southampton, who are ready to make their director of football serve a full year’s notice if the compensation offer is not increased.

It is the latest obstacle to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s rebuild at Old Trafford, as United face an expensive fight to land a key target. Wilcox has won plaudits for his recruitment work at Manchester City and Southampton, who he joined only last summer, and has been targeted by United to help steer their transfer strategy under the new structure headed by Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford.

United are also trying to bring in Dan Ashworth from Newcastle but are now facing more difficult negotiations, with Southampton unhappy at the financial offer and the timing of the Wilcox approach at such a critical stage of their Championship promotion push.

There were unconfirmed reports last night that Wilcox had already tendered his resignation. Southampton manager Russell Martin, however, said he had heard from Wilcox immediately after his team’s agonising 3-2 Championship defeat by Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

“We’ll chat at some point this week and I’m sure I’ll have more for you,” Martin said. “You know my feelings on Jason. I’ve had a text saying how proud he was of the performance.”

Wilcox, who has been key to Southampton’s resurgence, has a 12-month notice period in his contract despite having worked at the club for just over nine months.

United have proposed compensation equivalent to a full year of his salary, and are adamant they have followed all the correct processes by making an official approach.

Southampton, however, do not think the length of Wilcox’s notice period necessarily correlates to a compensation deal.

If agreement is not reached, the view at St Mary’s is Wilcox would have to resign and wait a year to move. Southampton do not intend to stand in Wilcox’s way if a satisfactory deal can be agreed.

Wilcox won the Premier League title at Blackburn Rovers and represented England during his playing career. At City he became academy director and played an important role in the development of the likes of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer.

Newcastle have put Ashworth on gardening leave and are understood to be demanding compensation of at least £20million.