Real Madrid have failed in a bid to land Carlo Ancelotti as their next manager, after Paris Saint Germain rejected the advances of the Spanish club for their Italian manager. The news is the clearest and most obvious indication that Jose Mourinho will indeed be leaving Real in the summer, with Chelsea expected to be his destination.
Mourinho has been heavily linked with a move back to Stamford Bridge, the place he enjoyed so much success. The Portuguese has continually expressed his love for the English Premier League, while admonishing the media in Spain.
Ancelotti has been the man who was expected to take over the reins at Real, once Mourinho's departure was concerned, but PSG remain adamant of holding onto their manager, who just led them to their first Ligue 1 title in nearly two decades.
"They (Real) came and I discussed it with them," PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said. "Carlo has got a contract with us for one more year...for me, he's here next year.
"He's a fantastic guy and I'm sure he'll respect his contract."
The PSG chairman claimed Real Madrid general manager Jose Angel Sanchez contacted him last week to ask about the possibility of talking to Ancelotti.
"A few days ago, the general manager of Real Madrid (Jose Angel Sanchez) contacted me to talk to (Ancelotti)," Al-Khelaifi added.
"Very quickly, I told them: 'If you want to have Carlo, you need to know that he has a year left on his contract, so please respect the contract. We respect all clubs, we expect the same in return. Today we do not have the same stature as Real Madrid, but we do deserve the same respect.'
"He apologised and told me he had thought Ancelotti's contract was expiring but I told him that was wrong and that Carlo has another year with us. He told me they would take that into account."
PSG's stand could have repercussions on Mourinho's impending move to Real, with the Spanish giants unlikely to sever ties with the Portuguese unless they already have a replacement lined up.
However, while there might be a bigger delay over an official confirmation over Mourinho's departure, it does look like only a matter of time before the former Inter Milan manager joins Chelsea before the start of next season.
Meanwhile, Juan Mata sang Mourinho's praises, when asked about the Portuguese taking over at Chelsea.
"Talking about Jose, for sure he's a great manager," Mata told Sky Sports News. "I mean, he won everything almost in every country.
"He was in Italy, in Portugal here in England, and I think the players we have now for example in the dressing room have very good memories about him.
"And in Madrid I think the same. He's done a good job, Real Madrid is one of the best teams in the world, he is one of the best managers.
"We don't really know what is going to happen but, for sure -- and that's a fact -- he is one of the best managers in the world."