JOSE MOURINHO is in shock talks to return as Benfica boss.
The Portuguese, 62, has been out of work since being sacked by Fenerbahce in late August.
PAJose Mourinho was sacked as Fenerbahce boss in August[/caption]
Mourinho began his managerial career with Benfica in 2000, resigning after just nine league games in charge after being refused a new contract.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the former Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea boss is in “advanced talks” to return to Estadio da Luz following Bruno Lage’s sacking overnight.
Ex-Wolves boss Lage, 49, was dismissed following his side’s 3-2 Champions League home defeat to Qarabag.
The Lisbon side had led 2-0 on the night, only for their Azerbaijani opponents to produce a stunning comeback.
Lage had already been under pressure going into the match, following Benfica’s 1-1 draw with ten-man Santa Clara last weekend.
The Portuguese giants have even been linked with under-fire Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim.
Leading candidate for Benfica’s upcoming presidency Joao Noronha Lopes was in attendance at the Manchester derby over the weekend, alongside the club’s ex-striker Nuno Gomes.
Speaking over the weekend, Gomes said: “Ruben Amorim is the coach of Manchester United so I can’t answer the questions.
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Shutterstock EditorialRuben Amorim is enduring a torrid spell as Man Utd boss[/caption]
“One thing I know, Ruben Amorim will be the coach of Benfica one day.
“Joao has already shown in recent years that he is capable of changing Benfica, to make it greater and different from what it has been in recent years.”
This time around it appears that it will be Mourinho, rather than Amorim, that takes over at Benfica.
Ironically, it was the Portuguese side that dumped Fenerbahce out of the Champions League in August, a result that played a huge role in Mourinho’s Turkey exit.
The veteran boss is said to be keen on a quick return to management and could agree a deal with Benfica imminently.
Should Mourinho land the job, he will begin with a trip to AVS this Saturday.
The two-time Champions League winner would then prepare for an emotional return to Stamford Bridge later this month, with Benfica due to play Chelsea on September 30.
Newcastle will also play host to Benfica on October 21.
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