Jason Wilcox ‘leading talks’ with two Man United players and expected to make transfer decision next week

Jason Wilcox is leading talks with two Manchester United players over potential new contracts this summer.

The new United technical director has been thrown into the deep end at Old Trafford since his move from Southampton two months ago.

Wilcox is playing a major role in the forthcoming decision over Erik ten Hag’s future and is also leading the recruitment with a deal for Dan Ashworth yet to be complete.

Wilcox is also taking charge of multiple other areas, including the contract talks with players, particularly those whose deals expire at the end of the month.

Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans are both entering the final weeks of their respective contracts at Old Trafford.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Wilcox is leading talks with the pair as the club considers whether to extend the deals of the experienced academy graduates.

Evans played 30 times for United last season, and many have argued that an additional year in Red would be no harm as long as the club still purchases two other first-team centre-backs.

Heaton, meanwhile, has made just three competitive appearances for United since he returned in 2021 – but his presence is clearly appreciated and also allows younger goalkeepers to depart the club on loan rather than being drafted in as a third-choice ‘keeper.

Sofyan Amrabat is another player with an uncertain future. It was previously thought that United would not activate the option to buy the midfielder, but a strong end to the 2023/24 campaign seems to have adjusted the viewpoint.

The aforementioned report explained that the club has yet to rule out the possibility of activating the option to sign the Fiorentina midfielder on a permanent deal. A decision is likely to be delayed until after Erik ten Hag’s future has been finalised.

Amrabat could be signed for around £21 million, and if INEOS decides to keep Ten Hag, he could push for that move to be made permanent.

However, MEN clarified that Wilcox will also have a greater say in recruitment this summer and that if the Dutch coach is dismissed, a final call could come down to the former Manchester City academy director.

Various reports have explained that the decision over Ten Hag’s future is approaching. While it was originally earmarked to come out on Friday, it would be a major surprise to see it drag out for another week.

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