Southampton manager Russell Martin believes that is 'likely' that director of football Jason Wilcox will make the move to Manchester United.
United have earmarked Wilcox as the man they want to make their new technical director as part of the new recruitment team and approached Southampton last week.
Wilcox offered his resignation last week, and United have made an offer equivalent to a year of his salary to the South Coast club, which they believe this meets a buyout clause in his contract.
However, Southampton are disputing the clause's existence and could make Wilcox serve a year's notice on his current contract before he can switch jobs.