Now that Chelsea have banished Jose Mourinho from Stamford Bridge, the Portuguese coach is free to embark on a new project.
And although this is Mourinho's second departure from the Blues, competing clubs seem undeterred by that blemish in his record, and are evidently keen to secure his signature.
Among the early contenders for Mourinho include Premier League clubs Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea. And now, another candidate has emerged in the race for Mourinho.
Benitez will be sacked prior to the game against Real Sociedad. Real Madrid already in talks to bring back Jose Mourinho. [COPE]
— BlancoEdition (@BlancoEdition) December 23, 2015
According to reports, Real Madrid are contemplating sacking Rafael Benitez in the coming days, meaning that a vacancy is due to open up. And according to a Spanish radio station, Mourinho is the favourite to return to Madrid and replace Benitez.
In his previous stint at the Bernabeu, Mourinho guided Real Madrid to a Spanish title, a trophy which they have not retrieved since then.
[@esRadio] | There are ongoing talks between Real Madrid & José Mourinho. Florentino Peréz wants him in. pic.twitter.com/ob4ULMW3pD
— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) December 23, 2015
Publicly, Real Madrid President Florentino Perez has supported Benitez but rumours suggesting that Benitez could be in line for the chop in Madrid have gained significant momentum of late. The former Liverpool chief endured an unsettled start to his management which started last summer and has since culminated in a 4-0 defeat to Barcelona last month.
Moruinho contends that he continues to maintain a healthy relationship with the Real Madrid President and Perez is reportedly keen to recruit Mourinho again. But there is also speculation which suggests that some of the players would not approve Mourinho's return.
And the Real Madrid Sporting Director, Jorge Valdano, says he is shocked by the speculation. Speaking to ESPN, he said:
Cadena SER | Real Madrid have already made contact with José Mourinho. pic.twitter.com/uPon1wPmjl
— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) December 23, 2015
'It's hard for me to believe, hard for me to understand [Mourinho returning to Bernabeu]. I know that Madrid is going through a difficult period, not dramatic, just difficult. But the idea that there must be action every time there is a crisis is not the most advisable. This idea of constant movement is the worst solution possible.'
In relation to the rumours linking Mourinho to Manchester United, his agent Jorge Mendes has intimated that no negotiations have taken place.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
