Southampton manager Russell Martin did not appear convinced that Jason Wilcox is likely to quit the club for Manchester United, but he was reluctant to discuss the topic following a dramatic defeat to Ipswich Town.
According to reports on Monday evening, Wilcox is expected to head to Old Trafford and take on a technical director role, leaving his position as director of football at the Saints.
The Championship club is said to be upset with the timing of the move, as they seek promotion to the Premier League, and there is a disagreement over the amount of compensation they would receive if Wilcox leaves.
Manchester United are understood to have offered a year’s salary, which they feel triggers a release clause, but Southampton dispute this.
Southampton lost 3-2 at Portman Road on Monday night thanks to a 97th-minute goal from Ipswich, and Martin was not pleased when asked about Wilcox after the game.
‘I’ve been hearing in the media for six weeks that he’s leaving, and nothing has changed,’ Martin told Sky Sports. I spoke with Jason this morning, we played a game, and I’m here to talk about the game, not Jason.
‘I am confident that the club or I will be able to inform you of what is going on at some point. I just lost 3-2 in a game when we played fantastically, and I don’t want to talk about it.
I’m here to talk about the game; Jason has been fantastic for us; if he leaves, he departs. I’m not sure what’s going on. Let me be annoyed by the outcome for a while first.
While Southampton may be disappointed, Wilcox appears to be on his way to United as technical director, where he will work alongside newcomers Dan Ashworth as sporting director and Omar Berrada as CEO.
Following their defeat against Ipswich, the Saints are fourth in the Championship and look destined for a play-off spot.
