Manchester United are looking to attract current Wolves Head of Player Recruitment Mathew Hobbs to Old Trafford, and a deal could be reached within weeks.
This is according to Football Insider, who says that the only obstacle in the way is an approach from Chelsea, who are looking to beat United with the signing of Hobb.
Manchester United director of football John Murtough appears to be currently in charge of player recruitment, with manager Erik ten Hag appearing to have a major say in the club’s goals so far.
An approach for the Head of Scouting and Recruitment from another Premier League club would signal a slight restructuring in the way players are targeted going forward.
Hobbs has been with the Wolves for more than seven years, initially starting in the scouting department before taking over player recruiting and scouting earlier this year.
Hobbs has been in charge of a busy summer transfer window for Wolves, with several big signings made, including highly sought-after midfielder Matheus Nunes for just over £40m and, more recently, Diego Costa on a free transfer.
Chelsea are the other club after Hobbs, which would make sense considering the turmoil that has occurred since Todd Boehly’s inauguration.
Head scout Scott McLachlan recently left his post at the London club, which would give Hobbs a job ready to fill.
With United’s summer transfer window looking erratic and rushed at the end, improving player recruitment at the club is a must.
Current Wolves manager Bruno Lage recently stated how Matt Hobb’s diligence in recruiting helped him create a cohesive team, something that was missing from United’s recruiting structure:
“We need to be fair to the work that Matt Hobbs did with his department. When I arrived, they already had him in mind (Yerson Mosquera). It was the first decision I made, and that’s how I want to work with everyone in the building. Matt and his department did a really good job of finding it for us.”
United seemed to waste a lot of time and resources chasing Frenkie de Jong this summer, only to make a move when Casemiro was running out of time.
If this move pans out, it could change the way players are drafted and acquired in future transfer windows.
United Matchday Magazine: The Ultimate Pre-Match Experience Get ready for aggression and entertainment. United are on a mission to Moldova. And the new issue of Matchday Mag is out now!
Online football content like you’ve never seen before A unique match hub and carefully curated news, features and opinions No ads, no clickbait, no fake news – just 100% pure United Delivered instantly to your device with easy online ordering and secure Click Preview to see more or buy now for just £1.25 / $1.50 Limited Time Offer: SAVE 33% On A Season Pass – Use Discount Code SEASON33 At Checkout.
