Southampton manager Russell Martin believes that is 'likely' that director of football Jason Wilcox will make the move to Manchester United.
United have earmarked Wilcox as the man they want to make their new technical director as part of the new recruitment team and approached Southampton last week.
Wilcox offered his resignation last week, and United have made an offer equivalent to a year of his salary to the South Coast club, which they believe this meets a buyout clause in his contract.
However, Southampton are disputing the clause's existence and could make Wilcox serve a year's notice on his current contract before he can switch jobs.
Despite the current standoff, talking to BBC Radio Solent, the Saints gaffer is still expecting Wilcox to make the move and
'Being brutally honest, the one person this affects the most is me.' Martin said.
'There is still lots going on that hasn't been clarified yet and legally.
'If he ends up going, which if we're being honest looks likely at this point, then he goes with nothing but good wishes from us all.
'He has played such a huge part in changing the culture of this club and the feeling around the training ground, he's enabled us to be the leaders that we want to be.'
Wilcox - a Premier League winner in his playing days with Blackburn Rovers - only joined Southampton last year, after the club's relegation to the Championship.
Before that he spent eleven years at Manchester City occupying several roles in various junior squads, with his last six years spent as Academy director. Where he oversaw the development of stars such as Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, Oscar Bobb and Cole Palmer.
Wilcox is the latest target of Jim Ratcliffe's investment group, having already appointed Omar Berrada after he left rivals Manchester City to become United's new Chief Executive.
Dan Ashworth was the next high-profile target and has subsequently been placed on gardening leave by Newcastle after he revealed ambitions to move to Old Trafford.
Southampton are currently fourth and look set to clinch a play-off place as they look to bounce back at the first attempt following last season's relegation.