Southampton boss Russell Martin reacts spikily to Jason Wilcox to Manchester United link

Russell Martin and Jason Wilcox both joined Southampton last summer (Picture: Getty Images)

Southampton manager Russell Martin did not sound convinced that Jason Wilcox is about to leave the club for Manchester United, although he was not keen to discuss the matter after a dramatic defeat to Ipswich Town.

Reports emerged on Monday evening that Wilcox is set to move to Old Trafford and take up a technical director role, stepping down from his position as director of football with the Saints.

The Championship side are thought to be furious with the timing of the move, as they chase promotion to the Premier League and there is a disagreement over the amount of compensation they would be due if Wilcox does leave.

Manchester United are thought to have offered an amount worth a year’s salary which they believe triggers a release clause, but Southampton are disputing that.

A 97th minute winner for Ipswich saw Southampton lose 3-2 at Portman Road on Monday night and Martin was not thrilled about being asked about Wilcox after the match.

‘I’ve been hearing he’s going to leave for six weeks in the media, nothing’s changed,’ Martin told Sky Sports. ‘I spoke to Jason this morning, we’ve had a game, I’m here to talk about the game, not about Jason.

‘I’m sure at some point the club will be able to tell you, or I’ll be able to tell you what’s going on. Now i’ve just lost 3-2 in a game where we were fantastic and I don’t really want to be talking about it.

Wilcox is expected to swap Southampton for Manchester United (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I’m here to talk about the game, Jason’s been great for us, if he leaves, he leaves. I don’t know what’s going on. Let me be annoyed about the result for a bit first.’

While Southampton may be miffed, Wilcox does look set to move to United as technical director, working alongside other new recruits in the incoming Dan Ashworth as sporting director and Omar Berrada as the club’s new CEO.

After defeat at Ipswich the Saints sit fourth in the Championship and look set for a play-off finish.

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