And the Blues' billionaire Russian owner had better be quick
about it too.
Otherwise Abramovich runs the risk of seeing the Special One
plundering silverware at one of Chelsea's Premier League rivals
instead.
Like Manchester United, megabucks Manchester City, Liverpool or,
worst of all, just across the capital at Tottenham Hotspur.
For Mourinho is intent on returning to the Premier League next
season and would be keen on doing a deal with any of these leading
contenders for his signature.
Certainly, his former club Chelsea and City will lead the
race.
And last season's Double winners will be most people's
favourites to succeed as Mourinho still loves the club where he won
six trophies in three years, including two league titles, before
being sacked in September 2007.
Current Stamford Bridge boss Carlo Ancelotti has had a difficult
season and the Blues currently languish nine points off the pace in
the league.
As a result, there is widespread speculation that the Italian
will be leaving in the summer.
And there are just as many rumours and whispers among the
Chelsea players and their agents that Mourinho has already agreed
to return.
But that is NOT true. Mourinho has not spoken
with Chelsea about going back - or any other club for that matter -
and will say so publicly if anyone dares to suggest otherwise.
But what he could never deny is his yearning for the passion and
excitement of English football and his determination to come back
soon.
Three years away, first with Inter Milan and now Real Madrid,
has convinced him that England is truly his spiritual football
home.
And it is not just unfinished business at Chelsea - the
Champions League trophy was the only one to elude him at the Bridge
- that would attract him back here.
If United came knocking, Mourinho would answer. But heaven knows
whether current Old Trafford boss Alex Ferguson, 69, is ready to
call it a day.
However, going head to head with his great friend Fergie in the
same city could be a powerful draw.
Mourinho would love that, although even he would stop short of
saying he could make City bigger than 18-time league champions
United.
However, that candid admission would not deter City's mega-rich
owner Sheikh Mansour from breaking the bank to get his man.
And Mansour is one of the very few who could dwarf even
Abramovich if it comes to a bidding war.
City's supremo is a huge fan of the two-time Champions
League-winning coach and he would willingly sanction a 'money is no
object' move for Mourinho.
For Eastlands boss Roberto Mancini is under pressure after
City's £300m investment in star players has so far failed to yield
any success.
Yes, they are third in the Premier League - albeit seven points
behind neighbours and league leaders United.
They are also in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup - they play
Everton's conquerors Reading tomorrow - and are still chasing
silverware in the Europa League, although they lost 2-0 away to
Dinamo Kiev on Thursday.
But City's ambitions are bigger than that and Mancini knows
it.
And he will be well aware of the danger of Mourinho who,
remember, replaced him at the San Siro in 2008 - and went on to win
the treble with Inter last season.
Liverpool would also appeal to Mourinho, who would love to
re-awaken the once invincible Anfield outfit.
Kop hero Kenny Dalglish is in temporary charge of the Reds until
the end of the season and has steadied the ship after the departure
of flop Roy Hodgson.
But, despite wins over Chelsea and Manchester United, there have
also been defeats to Blackpool, West Ham and most recently Braga in
the Europa League - plus a home draw with rock-bottom Wigan.
And although Dalglish is a legend at the club, the thought of
Mourinho on Merseyside could be too much for Liverpool's American
owners to resist.
Especially given the Special One's former right-hand man at
Chelsea, Steve Clarke, is already at Anfield.
Tottenham would be the surprise candidates.
Harry Redknapp has enjoyed great success at White Hart Lane,
taking Spurs to the last eight in the Champions League with wins
over Inter and AC Milan.
But Redknapp has a huge court case coming up in the summer which
could prove a major distraction for him and the North London club -
along with their preparations for next season.
He has also made no secret of the fact he wants to succeed Fabio
Capello as England boss next year.
So Spurs chief Daniel Levy could be tempted to go for Mourinho
in a bid to take the club to the next level.
And, knowing Mourinho, he would believe he is the one who can
make Spurs champions again - for the first time since 1961.
Now how would that make you feel, Abramovich?
MAN UTD
Current boss: Alex Ferguson
Why they'd want him
HE swears he will hang around for another year but who
would bet against Alex Ferguson surprising everyone and calling it
a day at the end of this season?
If United pulled off a Champions League and Premier
League double, who could blame him for leaving right at the top?
And if they end the season empty-handed, who could blame him for
deciding it is time to hand over to a younger man.
For and against
FOR: Mourinho has experience at the biggest clubs in
the world. A combination of United and Mourinho would be an
irresistible magnet for the world's greatest players.
AGAINST: Fergie is a tough act to follow after years of
success. Plus Mourinho would need to prise a lot of money out of
the Glazer family to build the team he would want.
LIVERPOOL
Current boss: Kenny Dalglish
Why they'd want him
KING KENNY is in charge until at least the end of the
season. But, if the Anfield board decide his return is short term,
then Mourinho would be one of the few managers Dalglish's idolising
Kop congregation would accept.
