Manchester United might be able to use Jason Wilcox as their secret weapon to land one of the bargains of the summer transfer window. The Red Devils confirmed the appointment of Wilcox as their technical director on Friday, with the 53-year-old leaving Southampton to take up his new role at Old Trafford.
Wilcox will be tasked with helping United to strengthen their squad over the summer, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe looking for tangible improvements next season. Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo has already been linked with a potential move on a free transfer as he nears the end of his current deal at Craven Cottage.
Tosin is reportedly set to be offered a bumper new deal by Fulham in a last-ditch attempt to keep him at the club. However, it remains to be seen if he will be prepared to accept it if United come calling at the end of the season.
The defender worked alongside Wilcox during his time at Manchester City, where United’s new technical director previously coached their under-18 side. At one point, he invited Tosin into his office for a private chat, during which he offered the 26-year-old the captain’s armband.
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Tosin went on to skipper City’s youth team under Wilcox, playing in their FA Youth Cup final defeat to Chelsea in 2015, before working his way up the ranks and into the first team squad. He joined Fulham on a permanent basis in 2020 and has made over 130 senior appearances for the west Londoners in all competitions.
United could benefit from a player of Tosin’s profile in defence, especially if Raphael Varane leaves the club at the end of the season. A free transfer would also give United room to offload some of their fringe defenders whilst saving money to invest in other departments.
It remains to be seen if Wilcox’s connection with Tosin will make it easier for United to bring him to Old Trafford in the summer. They have already reached out to discuss the possibility of a pre-contract agreement, according to TEAMtalk, but are unlikely to be the only club in the race with Newcastle also thought to be interested.
Other reports have credited Tottenham with a desire to land Tosin, while AC Milan are said to be another club with a close eye on the former England youth international. He offered a coy response when quizzed on his future last month, insisting that he was not allowing himself to think about next season with points still to play for.
“I’m just focused on these six remaining games,” he said. “Everybody, me included, has to push and try and finish the season on a high. Everybody remembers the end of the season, not the start, so we all need to remember that and perform well in the remaining games.”
