JOSE MOURINHO is reportedly in line to be in charge of Chelsea at the start of next season.
The shock claim comes with Mourinho said to be growing frustrated at a lack of financial backing by Roma chiefs.
Mourinho took over as Roma boss in July 2021, tasting success with the inaugural Europa Conference League as the Italians lifted their first-ever European trophy at the end of last season.
However, the Daily Mail report the ex-Chelsea boss is “interested” in taking over for a third time, with the Stamford Bridge gig his “ideal” scenario.
The main factor causing three-time Prem winner Mourinho to want to leave the Serie A behind is said to be a lack of financial backing to facilitate a title push.
Roma currently sit level on points with Inter Milan and Lazio and are only separated on goal difference – putting them fifth in the table following Juventus’ 15-point penalty.
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Since his arrival in 2021 – 11 years since his famous treble win with Inter – the club have allowed Mourinho to bring a number of big names.
These include but are not limited to Nemanja Matic, Paulo Dybala, Andrea Belotti, Tammy Abraham, Rui Patricio and Georginio Wijnaldum on loan – plus a cake he was given for his 60th birthday earlier this week.
In the four transfer windows he has been given, Roma have spent just under £120million, but £112m of this sum was spent in the first season.
In fact, the Mail’s report indicates Mourinho is “eager” to take any job in England next season due to his preference to work in the Premier League as well as his family still living in the English capital.
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The Blues have struggled this season under Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, with the latter recently overseeing a run of form which saw them win just once in 10 games.
But owner Todd Boehly has thrown his weight behind the former Brighton boss with a number of signings as he aggressively overhauls the squad.
The latest signing Chelsea are set to welcome is Lyon full-back Malo Gusto, though he will remain in France for the remainder of the season after the reported £26m move is finalised.
In the meantime, SunSport has revealed Potter took his under-fire squad for a team bonding exercise at an army base in Hampshire.
The club were knocked out of the FA Cup after being thrashed 4-0 by Manchester City, with Arsenal being the next scalp claimed by City after a 1-0 win last night.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
