Como announce former Southampton chief scout Ian Torrance as their new head of recruitment… in the latest blow for Saints with director of football Jason Wilcox a target for Man United

Serie B side Como have announced former Southampton chief scout Ian Torrance as the club’s new head of recruitment.

Torrance spent more than a decade at St Mary’s, working his way up to the position of Lead International Scouting Coordinator with the Championship side.

Speaking ahead of his new role in the Italian second tier, Torrance insisted he was excited to get started while Como part-owner Cesc Fabregas added he was ‘delighted’ with the club’s appointment.

‘We are delighted to have Ian join the family,’ The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder said. 

‘His international experience, gained in one of the biggest leagues in the world, will be important for Como and the ambitious growth path we are on.’

Cesc Fabregas ended his career at the Serie B side and currently serves as part-owner and assistant manager

The news comes as Manchester United continue their pursuit of Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox (left)

The news comes as fellow Southampton backroom staff member Jason Wilcox remains a top target for Manchester United.

Recent reports have claimed Wilcox is a top target for Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the Ineos Group’s overhaul at United continues.

Club executives in Manchester hold Wilcox in high regard and earlier this month made a formal approach to bring him to Old Trafford.

Mail Sport has learned that United agreed to pay Southampton 12 months of Wilcox’s wages as compensation, but the Championship club are understood to be holding out for a bigger package and a deal has yet to be agreed.

The 52-year-old only joined Saints last summer after spending 11 years working at Manchester City in various junior squads, with his last six years spent as Academy director overseeing the development of stars such as Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, Oscar Bobb and Cole Palmer.

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