Nick Cox (left) during his time at Vicarage Road.
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A former head of Watford’s Academy is set to leave Manchester United to become Everton’s new technical director.
The Toffees are in the midst of a restructure under the Friedkin Group ownership and have reportedly headhunted the Red Devils’ director of academy Nick Cox for a role in their new set-up.
Nick Cox (left) during his time at Vicarage Road. Cox, who left Vicarage Road in 2012, is thought to have turned down a variety of other opportunities since moving to Old Trafford from Sheffield United in 2016, having received interest from Premier League, EFL and European clubs as well as governing bodies.
A widely respected figure in youth development, Cox was with the Hornets for 11 years and was promoted to head of academy in 2010.
"Working at Watford is the perfect football upbringing," Cox told the Watford website when his departure was announced.
"I’m very proud of my time at the club and particularly the role I played in creating and developing The Harefield Academy partnership, something which is still unique in English football.
"Watford has always been a fantastic place for young players to develop – and that will continue to be the case, I have no doubt.”
Cox was promoted to head of academy at Old Trafford in 2019 and has helped overhaul United’s fabled youth system, with the club winning the FA Youth Cup in 2022 as Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo starred.
A total of 27 academy players have made their United debut during his time as head of the youth system.