Sources have indicated that the ex Chelsea manager’s time may be up at the Bernabeu, come the end of the season. He has always indicated a preference to return to England with reports stating that an exit deal is being prepared by President Perez to end his contentious relationship with Mourinho.

Chelsea are on the lookout for a new manager to replace Benitez for next season. They have been linked with the likes of Michael Laudrup, Guus Hiddink and David Moyes among others, but their number one target, without doubt, is the ‘Special One’.

However, there are no shortage of suitors for the 50-year-old, who is being monitored by Paris St Germain, AC Milan and Manchester City. Even though England is his preferential choice, Metro is reporting that Mourinho wants the Blues to act fast or risk losing him to other major clubs in Europe.

The Portuguese tactician is the most successful manager in Chelsea’s history, winning six trophies in three years at the Bridge. However, he was unable to win the Champions League and former Blues striker Didier Drogba recently revealed that Mourinho has unfinished business with Chelsea.

Chelsea fans would be glad to hear a source close to Mourinho saying, “Jose wants to go back to Chelsea. It’s where he wants to be. Every time Chelsea fans sing his name it makes him want to go back even more. “

The source also suggested that he would sign for the same money at Real. He added, “He’ll sign for the same money he’s on at Real, even though he’s sure he could earn more elsewhere — like City or PSG. Jose could even remain at Madrid but he is clear about where he’d like to go — it’s now down to if Roman Abramovich wants the same.”

However, if Chelsea don’t act quickly, Mourinho has other options that could excite him before coming to England to potentially replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. The Scotsman has at least another couple of years in him and has previously indicated that Mourinho is the only option that could replace him at Old Trafford.

There are also suggestions that Mourinho would return only if Lampard, a pivotal figure for the Portuguese manager during his spell with the Blues, will be given an extension. They would also need to qualify for the Champions League next season.

It does seem that the ball is in Abramovich’s court to bring in Mourinho and he is planning a £12 million per year deal for him. He is also prepared to hand him a £100 million transfer kitty to lay a fresh assault on the Champions League.