Mourinho close to sign Chelsea!

Jose Mourinho was due back at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, ready to take his seat to watch Russia play Brazil in a friendly.

According to sources close to the self-anointed Special One, Mourinho is once again the chosen one. He is the man Roman Abramovich wants to succeed interim manager Rafa Benitez and a deal, say those sources, is as good as done.


 

It is understood Mourinho and Abramovich HAVE reached a provisional agreement for the Portuguese to take over from interim Rafa Benitez this summer on a three-year contract.

Mourinho is believed to have made it clear that he will only consider a return if Chelsea finish in the top four, qualifying for next season's Champions League.

 

Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris-Saint Germain have all been mooted as possible destinations for Mourinho but it appears as though he could be on his way back to Stamford Bridge. The former Inter Milan boss was due back at Stamford Bridge last night as a guest of the Brazilian FA for the Seleção's game against Russia in west London - however he was not spotted.

 

Mourinho would take over from out-going interim boss Rafa Benitez, who was temporarily installed following the departure of Roberto di Matteo earlier this season.

This is not something anyone can confirm. Not when Mourinho remains the manager of Real Madrid, and the Spaniards remain in the hunt for the European Cup this season.  But Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to return to England and the pouting Portuguese coach rarely speaks without an agenda. 

I cannot deny what is clear in my mind,’ Mourinho said recently. ‘After Real Madrid, England, that’s for sure. I keep saying the same, I know clearly.’

Abramovich  now realises, Mourinho is his best option. A manager who is as close as it gets to someone who can guarantee success. He is a serial winner, having lifted the league title in all four  countries he has  worked — Portugal, England, Italy and Spain — and led Porto and Inter Milan to the Champions League crown. 

Abramovich knows  Mourinho is capable of rebuilding a squad boasting some tremendous talent in players such as Juan Mata, Oscar and Eden Hazard, but which still requires an overhaul.