José Mourinho is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations to return as head coach of Real Madrid, more than a decade after his first spell at the Santiago Bernabéu.
According to the BBC, the 63-year-old Portuguese manager is currently the leading candidate for the role and, at this stage, is the only coach in active talks with the club over the position.
If appointed, Mourinho would replace current head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who only took charge in January following the departure of Xabi Alonso.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is said to have first explored the possibility of bringing Mourinho back just two days after Alonso left the club, during early discussions with representatives of the Portuguese coach.
Mourinho is currently in charge of SL Benfica, having signed a two-year contract last September. However, he has recently remained cautious about discussing his future publicly.
Speaking after his side’s preparations for the end of the season, he said, “There’s a match against Estoril, and from Monday onwards I’ll be able to answer questions about my future as a coach and Benfica’s future.”
He added that Saturday’s game against Estoril Praia will be the final fixture of Benfica’s season.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, a period in which he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, leaving a significant mark on the club during a highly competitive era of Spanish football.
