Manchester United can start the first summer transfer window of the INEOS era by using Jason Wilcox’s contact book to secure a bargain signing. The Red Devils are reportedly interested in recruiting Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who will be available as a free agent beyond June 30.
Wilcox is currently the club’s highest power in the newly-formed football structure overseen by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and advisors Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc.
He left his post as Southampton’s sporting director to become United’s new technical director last month and now is awaiting his colleagues to arrive.
Incoming chief executive Omar Berrada will join from Manchester City after a period of gardening leave on July 13.
Meanwhile, Dan Ashworth has taken Newcastle United to arbitration in an attempt to get to work as United’s sporting director as soon as possible.
In the duo’s absence, Wilcox will take the lead heading into the summer, and United are reportedly keen on acquiring a player he’s familiar with.
According to ESPN, United are interested in signing Adarabioyo once his Fulham contract expires on June 30.
Watch all the Premier League and Champions League drama unfold on TNT Sports
The M16 giants are plotting a centre-back overhaul, with Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane expected to leave as free agents on the same date.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are also entering the final 12 months of their contracts, and at least one of them will likely depart.
The report adds that Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur are rivalling United’s interest, but Wilcox has an outstanding relationship with Adarabioyo.
Wilcox knows the 26-year-old from his time in Manchester City’s academy before leaving for the sporting director job at Southampton.
Adarabioyo had loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers before leaving the Etihad Stadium for Fulham in 2020.
He has made 20 Premier League appearances for the Cottagers this season and would represent a bargain squad option on a free transfer.
United have enjoyed success with free transfers across the last decade. In the 2016/17 season, Zlatan Ibrahimovic registered 28 goals and 10 assists in 46 appearances after reuniting with Jose Mourinho.
Edinson Cavani joined in 2020 and brought joy to the United support during lockdown. The Uruguayan icon scored 17 times in 39 games in his first season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
And Christian Eriksen was crucial in Erik ten Hag’s successful first season in charge before playing a limited role this term.
Adarabioyo could be the next to arrive as a free agent and help fix what has been a problem position throughout a troublesome campaign.
