Real Madrid officially open talks to bring Jose Mourinho back to the Bernabeu

Real Madrid have made contact with Jose Mourinho over a sensational return to the club, talkSPORT understands.

‘The Special One’ has recently been tipped to take charge of the Spanish giants for a second stint, who look set to part company with Alvaro Arbeloa at the end of the season.

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Mourinho, who only took the reins at Benfica last September, was previously in charge of Real from May 2010 to June 2013.

No way, Jose!

While it is understood that Benfica are desperate to keep hold of their manager, they are aware that talks are now underway over a Santiago Bernabeu switch.

And it is believed that contact has been made between Real Madrid and Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes.

The legendary manager is thought to be incredibly keen and ready for a return to the Spanish capital.

But Real will have to stump up if they are to secure his services, who is believed to have €3million [£2.6m] buyout clause in his Benfica contract.

Mourinho is under contract until June 2027, but it’s understood that the relationship between the Lisbon outfit and Los Blancos is strong.

The 63-year-old must now await the green light from club president Florentino Perez over a potential blockbuster return, who has taken it upon himself to lead the recruitment process for their next manager.

The iconic boss is also understood to have admirers at Newcastle United.

Newcastle’s owners are enticed by the idea of bringing in a big name appointment if Eddie Howe leaves the club this summer.

However, Newcastle have been handed an honest assessment of Mourinho’s current capabilities as an elite manager.

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His former defender Robert Huth made 36 appearances for Chelsea under Mourinho – winning two Premier League titles and the League Cup.

Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT for Casino.org, Huth detailed whether Mourinho can still do it at the top level.

He said: “Probably not, based on the last few years.

“Everyone has their peak, players, managers, everyone. That doesn’t mean he can’t still do a job, but winning the biggest titles again? Probably not.

“That’s not disrespect, I love the guy but we all have our cycles, and maybe his time has passed. He’s still done well with most clubs he’s been at, but in recent years it’s been tougher.

“That doesn’t take away from what he achieved. There are just coaches now who are probably pushing the game forward more at the moment.”

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What is the situation at Real Madrid?

A change in management at Real Madrid looks increasingly likely, with things beginning to unravel on and off the pitch under Alvaro Arbeloa.

The former defender took charge in January after the shock sacking of Xabi Alonso, but has failed to inspire the desired change.

Los Blancos are 11 points behind league leaders and rivals Barcelona with four games to play – and Barca can clinch the title with a point when the two teams meet in this weekend’s El Clasico.

But other incidents have made the headlines this week, following two separate high-profile bust-ups between key players Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, the most recent of which saw the former hospitalised.

This isn’t the only dressing-room related issue facing Arbeloa at the minute, with star man Kylian Mbappe‘s behaviour also reportedly causing friction in the Real Madrid camp.

How did Mourinho fare in his first stint?

Mourinho spent three years at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, and won three trophies, including LaLiga.

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During Real’s successful LaLiga campaign under Mourinho, the Spanish giants set a competition record for the most points in a single season (100), although it was equalled the following year by Barcelona.

The ex-Chelsea boss also reached the Champions League semi-finals throughout all of his campaigns in the Spanish capital.

Mourinho isn’t the only man to be linked with the Los Blancos hotseat – talkSPORT understands Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is also high on their shortlist to become their new manager.

Should he return to Real, this wouldn’t be the first time Mourinho has rejoined a former club.

He previously made a sensational comeback to Chelsea in 2013, where he won his third Premier League title in his second season back at Stamford Bridge.