Odds slashed: Jose Mourinho backed to complete sensational return to former club

Former Manchester United and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been named in the race for the Real Madrid job.

The 63-year-old is currently in charge of Portuguese club Benfica, but could be under discussion at several clubs in the summer.

Real Madrid dismissed Xabi Alonso in January, and have since been under the interim management of Alvaro Arbeloa.

The 43-year-old oversaw his side's progression past Benfica in the Champions League play-offs, but they have suffered defeats in both of their last two La Liga games.

Alonso has been linked with Man City and Liverpool, and could be set for his first managerial job in the Premier League this summer.

Bookies slash Jose Mourinho odds

Mourinho was appointed by Benfica in September and has overseen a strong recovery in the Portuguese top flight.

The legendary manager was in charge for a truly iconic Champions League moment when goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a header to beat Real Madrid 4-2 and secure Benfica's place in the play-offs on goal difference.

Even if they were beaten in both legs by the Spanish giants in the next round, that is a moment that will undoubtedly go down in history.

Mourinho's recent moves have often ended unsuccessfully, but he still retains an aura that can transform a club's fortunes immediately.

He has been linked with several jobs of late, although Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Celtic will not appoint Mourinho.

But the links to Real Madrid, who the 63-year-old managed between 2010 and 2013, appear to be gathering pace.

One major bookmaker has slashed Mourinho's odds of being named as the next Real Madrid manager to 6/1, with Jurgen Klopp leading the way at 7/2.

Mourinho has already commented on Real Madrid links

Mourinho is under contract at Benfica until the summer of 2027, although it is unclear how he will react if a move of the calibre of Real Madrid materialises in the summer.

"When they said the match against Real Madrid was an opportunity for me to return, they forgot something important," he said when asked about links in January.

"In this room, I said it was possible to say no to Florentino Pérez. Do you think I would say that if I wanted to leave Benfica for Real Madrid? Do you think I’m stupid? I was very objective.

"I said I didn’t want to go to Real Madrid and that I wanted to stay. I have many flaws, but I’m not stupid."

Dismissing rumours and dismissing a real offer are two very different circumstances, however. The situation in which an answer from Mourinho will be needed may well arise in the summer.