Wilcox hire gives Man Utd crucial edge in Liverpool transfer battle

Tom Weber

• Updated: 20 Apr 2024 17:51 BST
• 4 min read

The appointment of Jason Wilcox could see Man Utd become favourites for Tosin Adarabioyo.

The Fulham defender is out of contract in the summer and speculation surrounding his future has been rampant. Suggestions that the centre-back could stay at Craven Cottage have been few and far between and it seems as though he will be on the move in the upcoming transfer window.

He certainly has no shortage of suitors. In January, there were already links to Italian giants AC Milan and it is thought that they are still keen. Potentially, more intriguing is the interest from two of the Premier League's biggest sides.

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Similar to Milan, Liverpool have been linked with a free-transfer swoop for Tosin since the winter. Additionally, FootballTransfers understands that Man Utd are very keen indeed on the defender and a move would make sense.

The Red Devils have now hired Jason Wilcox as new Technical Director and his appointment could give them a crucial edge in the race to sign Tosin.

Wilcox and Tosin go way back

As outlined by the Manchester Evening News, Wilcox could use his existing relationship with the Fulham man to lure him to Old Trafford. Before moving to Southampton and now Man Utd, the 53-year-old was in charge of Man City's academy and oversaw the development of many a Premier League star, including Tosin.

Man Utd are looking to rejig their defence in the upcoming window and Tosin would provide proven Premier League quality for little financial outlay. At 26, he is also at the peak of his powers and would act as a replacement for Raphael Varane, who looks to be on the way out.

READ MORE: Who is Jason Wilcox? Man Utd's new Technical Director signed from Southampton

It is unclear whether Tosin would be Man Utd's main defensive reinforcements or if they would still look to splash the cash on a big-name defender, such as Jean-Clair Todibo, who is now also being courted by Champions League sides, or Jarrad Branthwaite, though it has been claimed that the latter has slipped down the Red Devils' shortlist due to his price.