Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has a provisional agreement in place to join his former club Chelsea at the end of the season.
Mourinho has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge for what seems like ages, and the move could finally be sealed, with widespread reports in England suggesting the previously feuding Roman Abramovich and Mourinho had come to an agreement.
Mourinho was the most successful manager in the Abramovich era and brought so much success in such a short spell of time before a break down in the relationship between the Portuguese and the Russian owner led to the former leaving the club in 2007.
However, over time the relationship has been repaired and Abramovich has zeroed in on Mourinho to take Chelsea back to the summit of the English Premier League.
Abramovich, after missing out on his No.1 target Pep Guardiola, who signed with Bayern Munich, has realized Mourinho remains his best option in bringing silverware, while also keeping the fans happy.
There are a couple of hurdles to still clear, however, with Mourinho agreeing on joining the club only if Chelsea qualify for the Champions League next season.
Mourinho, who was reportedly at Stamford Bridge to watch the international friendly between Brazil and Russia, is also reluctant to work under technical director Michael Emenalo and chief executive Ron Gourlay, who currently have a major say on player transfers.
The Portuguese is keen on having sole control in playing matters - that of course is not possible as long as Abramovich is there - and wants the final say on player movement.
Another problem could be the fact that reports in France suggest that Mourinho has a similar deal in place with Paris Saint Germain, if the French moneybags to let go of Carlo Ancelotti in the summer. Mourinho's agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly held advanced talks with the French owners over a possible summer move.
The 50-year-old recently admitted he could be on his way back to a club he managed previously, and it is looking increasingly likely that that club could indeed be the one in West London, which has been crying out for his return ever since he left nearly six years ago.
