MANCHESTER United are reportedly working on a deal to appoint Southampton's director of football Jason Wilcox. 

The Daily Echo understands the Premier League giants are yet to approach Saints over his release.

The Athletic report that Wilcox knows of United's interest, which would see him given a senior role reporting into their sporting director.

Current Newcastle United chief Dan Ashworth looks set to be appointed in that role at Old Trafford. 

Wilcox joined Saints from Manchester City, where he was extremely successful as academy director, in the summer of 2023. 

Saints manager Russell Martin was asked about the news breaking in his press conference previewing the trip to West Brom. 

Martin said: "I hope it's people putting two and two together and coming up with five.

"I have a lot of respect for Jason and it's no surprise people would be interested in working with him after his work here and long time at City.

"I would like to think he would have a chat with us first if there was anything in it, he is so honest and so open. 

"He has been a big driver of the culture we have here. I have nothing but praise for Jason for the work he has done with us."

He added: "He appointed a young coach who hasn't won anything before but he saw beyond that and I think he likes the work we do.

"I hope we can continue to work with him for a long time. I can't speak on behalf of Jason but I hope it's something that blows over quickly.

"There is a lot of that in football. I think he feels he has a job here that he wants to see through but obviously I don't know." 

Omar Berrarda, former City Football Group CEO, has been appointed CEO of Manchester United this year.