Southampton boss shares update on Manchester United pursuit of Jason Wilcox

Manchester United have received a significant update on Jason Wilcox from Southampton manager Russell Martin, who believes it's 'likely' that the director of football will make the switch to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have identified Wilcox as their preferred candidate for the new technical director role as part of their revamped recruitment team and made an approach to Southampton last week. Wilcox tendered his resignation and United have proposed a compensation package equivalent to a year's salary to the South Coast club, believing this satisfies a buyout clause in his contract.

However, Southampton are contesting the existence of such a clause and may require Wilcox to serve a year's notice on his current contract before he can change roles.

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Despite the ongoing dispute, speaking to BBC Radio Solent, the Saints boss still anticipates Wilcox making the move, stating: "Being brutally honest, the people it affects the most are me and his coaching staff because he brought us into the club."

Martin continued: "I don’t think it’s affected the players. Jason is a great guy, I speak to him a lot. I have had the most conversations with him here. I don’t think it's affected the way we work or the results.

"It has not affected the process we are working on. But, of course, he is a good person and you never want to see good people walk out of the building."

He added: "Manchester United have a job to get the guy that they want. If it ends up happening then Jason goes with our best wishes. He has played such a big role in