JOSE MOURINHO is in talks to become Portugal’s next manager, according to reports.
Fernando Santos was sacked as Portugal manager following their World Cup quarter-final defeat to Morocco.
Mourinho is interested in taking over and would be willing to leave his post as Roma boss – but only in 2023.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes is in talks with the Portuguese Federation, though they have not yet produced any positive results.
Despite that, Mourinho is hopeful of taking over and it is believed Roma will not stand in his way.
The 59-year-old has a year left to run on his deal and he is reportedly set to discuss his future with Roma bosses.
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But it is thought former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Man Utd boss Mourinho wants to fulfill his contract with the Serie A side.
That means Mourinho will continue in his current role until next summer at least, but could take over Portugal after that – mid-way through their Euro 2024 qualification campaign.
Mourinho is encouraged by the Portugal project and is excited by the prospect of managing his country at Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.
But he is also likely keen to win more silverware with Roma, having tasted success in the inaugural Europa Conference League last season.
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Reports claimed Portugal were happy to let Mourinho continue at Roma if he agreed to succeed Santos.
Should Mou replace Santos, one of his first tasks will be to decide the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The ex-Manchester United man is now a free agent and was dropped for Portugal’s final two World Cup games.
However, reports claims Ronaldo is not planning to retire from international duty and sees himself leading the line at the next Euros.
Mourinho and Ronnie worked together for several years at Real Madrid, breaking Barcelona’s LaLiga domination.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
