Southampton approach Manchester City academy boss Jason Wilcox over becoming their director of football

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Manchester City coach Jason Wilcox looks on during the FA Youth Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Manchester City and Leicester City at the Etihad Campus on March 11, 2015 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)

Report shows that Southampton have made an ambitious approach to make Manchester City academy chief Jason Wilcox their new director of football.

Although based on history Wilcox who was a Premier League winner with Blackburn Rovers, has built up an outstanding reputation as City’s academy director.

He has been at the club since 2012, working as Under 18s head coach at one stage, before taking his current role in 2017.

Southampton, who lost director of football operations Matt Crocker last month, have identified the 51-year-old as the man they want to oversee a shake-up.

Sportsmail understands Southampton are prepared to offer Wilcox a lucrative package and he would be eager to listen to what they have to say. City are braced to hear that he wants to leave and understand why he would want to speak to Saints.

Some will see the move as a gamble, given Southampton are bottom of the Premier League and in a wretched run of form under new manager Nathan Jones. But the opportunity to work within a senior environment appeals to Wilcox.