Southampton have reportedly been left angry by Manchester United as Sir Jim Ratcliffe attempts to make another addition to his backroom staff.
It is claimed that the Red Devils want to hire Saints director of football Jason Wilcox as their new technical director.
Ratcliffe has already made his mark on United since his purchase of 27.7 per cent of the club was finally confirmed in February.
He has appointed a new chief executive, with Omar Berrada set to start in his role at the end of the season after leaving Manchester City.
Man Utd news: United have reportedly angered Southampton with their approach for Jason Wilcox
Getty
United are also keen to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director, with the former FA chief currently on gardening leave at Newcastle.
Talks are progressing and a deal is expected to be agreed for Ashworth to move to Old Trafford.
Sky Sports now claims that Ratcliffe is attempting to bring in former Premier League winner Wilcox as technical director.
However, the report says Championship side Southampton are not happy with the timing of the approach.
United are said to have made an offer equivalent to a year's salary to Southampton, which they believe triggers a release clause.
But Saints are disputing the existence of the clause and don't look set to make it easy for United.
Southampton are attempting to gain promotion back to the Premier League and have just nine games remaining this season.
They are currently fourth in the table and feel the timing of United's approach has unsettled Wilcox at a vital time.
The report says that United feel they have acted respectfully and have made a suitable offer for Wilcox.
The 53-year-old, who won the Premier League with Blackburn in 1995, only took up the role as director of football at St Mary's last year.
Southampton feel they should be paid more for Wilcox than United have offered.
They believe the fee should reflect the crucial stage of the season that they would be losing such a key figure.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Man Utd news: Jason Wilcox has only been at Southampton since last summer
Getty
It is claimed the two clubs are now at an impasse as Ratcliffe attempts to add another member of staff to his growing football department.
Wilcox knows Berrada well from his time as a youth coach and academy director at Man City.
Berrada wants Wilcox to become a big part of the recruitment process at United, where he would be guided by Ashworth.
Wilcox spent a decade at Blackburn and won three caps for England.
Man Utd news: United believe they have acted respectfully in their approach for Jason Wilcox
Getty
The former winger also had a spell at Leeds and Leicester before finishing his career at Blackpool in 2006.
He joined City as an academy coach in 2012 and was made academy director in 2017, a role he held until joining Southampton in 2023.