Jose Mourinho in Final Talks to Return as Real Madrid Coach After 13 Years

Jose Mourinho is in final negotiations to become Real Madrid's next head coach, 13 years after his first spell at the Bernabeu.

The 63-year-old is the clear favorite and currently the only candidate Real Madrid is talking to for the role.

He would replace current head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who took charge in January after Xabi Alonso's departure.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez first considered Mourinho's return two days after Alonso left the club. That idea came up during initial conversations with the Portuguese coach's representatives.

Mourinho has managed Benfica, his native Portugal club, since joining on a two-year contract last September. He told media yesterday he did not want to discuss his future just yet.

"There's a match against Estoril, and from Monday onwards I'll be able to answer questions about my future as a coach and Benfica's future," he said.

Saturday's game against Estoril Praia is Benfica's last of the season.

Mourinho was in charge at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013. He won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup during that time.