Jose Mourinho is set for a sensational return to Benfica, reportedly agreeing a two-year contract to take charge of the Portuguese giants — 25 years after his brief first spell at the club.
The 62-year-old has been out of work since leaving Fenerbahce last month following their failure to qualify for the Champions League.
His availability sparked widespread speculation over his next move, but talks with Benfica accelerated this week following the sacking of Bruno Lage.
Mourinho was seen landing in Lisbon on Wednesday night, greeted by supporters who draped a Benfica scarf over his shoulders as he made his way through the airport.
According to Sky Sports, the deal is now in place, with Mourinho expected to be unveiled before the weekend.
His appointment marks a remarkable homecoming. Back in 2000, Mourinho managed just 10 games for Benfica before stepping down due to a change in club leadership.
He went on to enjoy spectacular success with Porto — winning the Champions League in 2004 — before cementing his global reputation with trophy-laden spells at Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Roma.
Speaking to reporters on arrival in Portugal, Mourinho kept his cards close to his chest.
Jose Mourinho is replacing Bruno Lage at Benfica
|GETTY
“I have nothing to tell you,” he said.
“Before I got on the plane, they asked me if I might be interested, and I said yes, I might be interested.
"Benfica officially asked me if I would be interested and said that when I returned to Portugal, I would be happy to speak with people.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Jose Mourinho was sacked by Fenerbahce last month
| REUTERS“If I return to Benfica, it won’t be a career celebration, nor a 25-year reunion.
"I left my previous club four weeks ago, and if you ask me if I expected to stay until the end of the season without coaching — that’s not in my nature.
“When I was faced with the possibility of coaching Benfica, I didn’t think twice. I’m interested. I’d like it.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Jose Mourinho is closing in on a dramatic return to Benfica, 25 years after first taking charge of the Lisbon club, in a move that could pit him against Chelsea in the Champions League in just a fortnight | GETTYMourinho’s potential first big test could come on the European stage with Benfica set to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in just two weeks’ time, setting up a tantalising reunion with one of his former clubs.
Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed Lage’s departure on Tuesday night after the club’s shock Champions League loss to Qarabag, insisting a new coach would be in place by the weekend.
“The Benfica coach must be a winner,” he said.
“He must represent a club of this size and have the ability to take this team to the required levels.”
Benfica sit sixth in the Primeira Liga, five points behind leaders Porto, and host Vila das Aves on Saturday.
Mourinho is now expected to take the bench for that clash — his first domestic match in Portuguese football in over two decades.