Sir Jim Ratcliffe has yet to make his first dip into the transfer market since taking over at Manchester United, but he has wasted no time angering other English clubs.
Ratcliffe took part-ownership of United midway through the season, but not early enough for the club to make any new player signings in January. He's been making additions elsewhere, though, much to the frustration of Newcastle United and Southampton in particular.
United's efforts to land Newcastle director of football Dan Ashworth have not been received too kindly. The former Brighton chief is currently on gardening leave, with the Magpies adamant they won't be doing anything to make their rivals' job any easier.
The next man being targeted as part of United's rebuild is Jason Wilcox, much to the anger of the former Blackburn winger's current club Southampton. The Championship club are at odds with United, in just the latest example of Ratcliffe's no-nonsense approach rubbing rivals up the wrong way.
Not only are Southampton said to be angry with the timing of United's approach for Wilcox, but they are understood to reject the Premier League side's stance on a purported buyout clause for the 53-year-old. Sky Sports reports that United offered the equivalent to a year's salary for the executive, who joined Southampton last summer after serving a notice period from previous club Manchester City.
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The Championship outfit were made to wait for Wilcox, and value him more highly than the amount United appear to be prepared to offer. They insist the purported buyout clause doesn't exist, and remain frustrated by the fact the approach has come in the middle of a promotion push.
Concerns from the Saints about Wilcox being unsettled come amid preparations for what could be a crucial summer at St Mary's. Southampton's hopes of automatic promotion were dealt a blow as they earned just one point from two games over the Easter weekend, and they'll face an important few months whether or not they return to the Premier League.
What have you made of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first steps at Old Trafford? Have your say in the comments section
Newcastle haven't budged amid Manchester United's pursuit of Dan Ashworth (PA)Newcastle chief Ashworth was put on gardening leave in February, following earlier fears from Toon manager Eddie Howe that the former FA director of elite development could take secrets with him to Old Trafford. Ashworth's contract runs until 2026 and Newcastle are demanding £20m in compensation, much to Ratcliffe's frustration.
“I understand why they [Newcastle] would be disappointed, but then you can’t criticise Dan because it’s a transient industry," Ratcliffe said. "You can understand why Dan would be interested, because it’s the ultimate challenge.
"We'll have to see how it unfolds. What I do think is completely absurd, is suggesting a man who is really good at his job sits in his garden for one and a half years.”
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