Southampton sporting director Jason Wilcox resigns amid Manchester United approach

Jason Wilcox has resigned from his role as Southampton sporting director amid Manchester United's approach, talkSPORT understands.

He Red Devils The talented former England international's advance was rejected.

The Red Devils offered the Saints one year of Wilcox's salary in an attempt to lure him away from St Mary's.

However, the Championship side question whether this meets a release clause in his contract, especially as he is expected to start work immediately.

The Saints will not release him until they receive compensation.

And if United doesn't shell out the required money, it may still be forced to take 12 months of gardening leave.

Southampton are also unhappy with the way their sporting director's approach has developed.

Club sources are also surprised by Wilcox's desire to leave his position.

Wilcox, who won the Premier League title with Blackburn as a player, only joined Southampton from Manchester City in the summer.

It was there that he was credited with helping develop talents such as Phil FodenRico Lewis and ChelseaCole Palmer during his six-year tenure.

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He is considered a key member of the St Mary's staff but Wilcox is believed to want a move to Old Trafford.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is already looking to make key backroom additions as he attempts to return Manchester United to their former glories.

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Ratcliffe's £1.25bn investment in the Red Devils was finalized at the end of February and he is working quickly to make changes.

Omar Berrada He will join the club from Man City at the end of the season as the club's new chief executive.

and it is believed Berrada has recommended Wilcox highly having worked with him

Meanwhile, Newcastle United sporting director Daniel Ashworth He could also head to Old Trafford.

Ashworth's departure from Toon has has already been announced as he completes his gardening leave which will end in 2026, unless Man United shell out the money desired by the St James' Park club.