Jose Mourinho closing in on becoming Real Madrid manager and Premier League boss in frame to replace him at Benfica

Jose Mourinho is closing in on a return to Real Madrid, talkSPORT understands.

The Benfica manager is in line to become the Spanish giants’ new boss this summer following talks with the club.

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Mourinho’s current contract in Portugal has a €3million (£2.6m) release clause.

He is able to leave Benfica for another job providing a club triggers the clause within ten days of the Portuguese season ending, which is on Saturday.

The 63-year-old was appointed by Benfica for a second time in September on a deal until 2027.

It followed his exit from former club Fenerbahce less than a month earlier.

Mourinho has since maintained an unbeaten league record, winning 19 of their 28 games, at Benfica this season despite missing out on the title.

Benfica remain nine points adrift of champions Porto with just two matches remaining.

Mourinho is now set for a return to the Santiago Bernabeu 13 years on from his first spell in charge.

Interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa will leave his role at the end of the season after replacing Xabi Alonso, who departed in January.

Mourinho previously spent three years as Real Madrid boss between 2010 and 2013.

During that time, he won three trophies including a LaLiga title in his second season where they amassed 100 points.

Who could replace Mourinho?

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talkSPORT understands Marco Silva is among the candidates to replace Mourinho at Benfica.

The Fulham manager is out of contract at Craven Cottage in the summer.

Silva has spent five years in charge of the Cottagers since his appointment in 2021.

Having won the Championship title in his first season, the Portuguese has since maintained their Premier League status.

Meanwhile, Fulham could still secure European qualification for the first time in 15 years this term.

They currently sit 11th in the table with two matches still to play.

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Silva has not managed in Portugal since leaving Sporting at the end of the 2015/16 season.

The 48-year-old has since had spells in charge of Greek club Olympiakos, Hull City, Watford and Everton as well as his current side.