An outsider for a big role at Manchester United is heading to the Saudi Pro League instead.
Manchester United investors Ineos are busy forging the club’s new leadership group headed up by new CEO Omar Berrada.
Dan Ashworth is the top target, and could be joined by Jason Wilcox, who worked under Berrada at City.
One man who was linked and will not be joining is Lee Congerton. A report in The Telegraph last November claimed the Atalanta supremo was a possible contender for a role at Old Trafford.
These reports did not gather momentum, with United seemingly looking elsewhere.
Congerton has now clinched a move away from Atalanta, agreeing a move to Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli.
Possible transfer impact at United
Lee Congerton has been a thorn in the side for Manchester United in recent summers, because he has managed to get every penny out of the club when negotiating transfer deals.
He was the Leicester City sporting director who negotiated the £80 million fee with Ed Woodward for Harry Maguire.
Then last summer he held out for £64 million for Rasmus Hojlund – although we may go on to reflect that this was cheap.
United have been linked with returning to Atalanta this summer for talented young centre-back Giorgio Scalvini, Goal report.
Negotiations may end up being easier without Congerton – although that established point of contact between clubs is no more.
Update on Jason Wilcox
One man Manchester United are chasing is Southampton sporting director Jason Wilcox, who could arrive before Dan Ashworth, due to difficult negotiations with Newcastle.
Athletic journalist David Ornstein was quizzed about this in a Q&A yesterday and insists United are sticking to this plan.
Asked for an update, Ornstein responded: “As per my original report, Wilcox is who they intend — and are working — to recruit for that boardroom role.
“The consensus is they want another key appointment, too, but I’m not aware of that process being as advanced yet.”
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