The Red Devils are facing another Dan Ashworth-style saga (Pictures: Getty)

Southampton are livid with the timing of Manchester United?s approach for Jason Wilcox and are ready to insist he serves his full 12-month notice period.

Reports emerged on Monday evening that Southampton?s technical director was set to move to Old Trafford imminently and would step down from his current role.

United are of the belief that they have offered a fee ? equivalent to a year?s salary ? that triggers a release clause, but the south-coast club have disputed the existence of any such agreement.

According to The Times, Southampton are so unhappy with the manner and timing of United?s approach that they are ready to play hardball even if it means Wilcox is forced to serve his 12-month notice period in full.
Southampton were beaten 3-2 by Championship leaders Ipswich Town roughly around the time the Wilcox news emerged and they are locked in a fierce battle to secure promotion ? though it looks as though they will need to do so via the Play-Offs.

This is an unwanted distraction at a critical part of the season and talks between United and Southampton have not progressed well.

The offer from United, worth a year?s salary, has been rejected and Wilcox will be placed on gardening leave until the summer of 2025 if he decides to quit.

United’s pursuit of Wilcox is turning into another saga (Picture: Getty)

Southampton could let him go sooner but, angered by the way United have conduct...