SAINTS director of football Jason Wilcox has departed the club to join Manchester United after the two clubs agreed on a compensation fee. 

Wilcox arrived at St Mary's last year from Manchester City, where he spent 10 years and became academy director. 

Instrumental in hiring manager Russell Martin, Wilcox had been credited with building one of the world's best academies at Man City. 

Rivals Man United, with former City chief Omar Berrarda as their new CEO, have named Wilcox as their technical director. 

Man United's initial offer to release Wilcox from his contract was rejected by Saints bosses, who felt it was a lowball for his services. 

A fee equivalent to a year's salary was rejected and Wilcox would have seen out a 12-month notice period if no agreement was found. 

The two clubs have now agreed on compensation, with Saints labelling the latest offer as "acceptable". It means Wilcox will begin his work at Man United with immediate effect. 

A Saints statement said: "Southampton Football Club can today confirm that it has reluctantly agreed to allow director of football, Jason Wilcox, to join Manchester United, having reached an agreement with the Premier League side on an acceptable compensation fee. 

"Whilst the club is naturally disappointed that Jason’s stay at Southampton has only lasted nine months, it wishes him well for the future.

"The club will continue to work closely with Russell Martin and his back-room team to ensure they have all the support they require moving forward."