Southampton manager Russell Martin seemed unsure whether Jason Wilcox was going to leave the club for Manchester United, even though he was reluctant to discuss the matter after a tough loss to Ipswich Town.
The Championship side are believed to be very upset about the timing of the move, as they aim for 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 believed to have offered an amount worth a year’s salary which they think triggers a release clause, but Southampton are challenging that.
A 97th minute winner for Ipswich saw Southampton lose 3-2 at Portman Road on Monday night and Martin was not pleased 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.
‘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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