Jose Mourinho has reportedly got his eye on the managerial role at Newcastle for his next job.
The Fenerbahce boss is hoping to step into the shoes of Eddie Howe should the Englishman part ways with the Magpies.
According to The Guardian, Mourinho believes his best chance of returning to the Premier League would be via Newcastle and is keeping an eye on developments at the club.
The Portuguese manager has only been at Turkish club Fenerbahce since last summer, with his side currently third in the Super Lig.
But he recently voiced his discontent in no uncertain terms after his side’s 3-2 victory over Trabzonspor in a remarkable rant which included him complaining that the league ‘smells bad’.
Mourinho has previously had two management spells in charge of Chelsea – where he won the Premier League three times – as well as separate spells at Manchester United and Tottenham.
When Fenerbahce faced his former club Man United in the Europa League last month, Mourinho made a cheeky offer of his own services to Premier League clubs at the bottom of the table after the match – indicating a desire to return to England.
Mourinho also met Newcastle chairman Yasir al-Rumayyan back in March at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in a social setting – but The Guardian has said the relationship has been maintained.
It is reported too that the 61-year-old has been in contact with intermediaries and has asked to be informed of any changes at Newcastle.
Mourinho has always been enamoured with St James’ Park due to his work as a translator for Sir Bobby Robson at Sporting Lisbon and Porto, then as an assistant at Barcelona.
The Portuguese has often refereed to Newcastle as ‘Mr Robson’s club’ and appears to have an emotional connection.
The Magpies had a mixed start to the season – they had been on a streak which had seen them winless in five games before their recent meeting with Arsenal.
A 1-0 victory over the Gunners at St James’ Park, as well as a last-16 League Cup win over Chelsea, have revived their fortunes though.
They face a tough fixture against high-flying Nottingham Forest on Sunday 10 November though.
Howe does not yet seem to be in danger of losing his job though, especially given how he has elevated Newcastle from relegation contenders to top-flight stability.
While he did lose two key allies with the departures of directors Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi last summer, he has considerable credit in the bank.
November 8, 2024 marked exactly three years since Howe was appointed at Newcastle – and the 46-year-old has made it clear that he is very much content in the role he is in.
“It feels good to still be here because when you come in you’re never sure how things are going to go,” he said ahead of the Forest game.
“You come in with the best intentions, lots of dreams and lots of emotions because, as you say, there’s uncertainty and some insecurities because you’re going into the unknown.
“Lots of challenges awaited us at that moment, first priority of course was to stay in the league, it was the only thing that consumed me in that moment.
“We got through a lot of work trying to make certain changes, but also try to get the best out of what was already here.”
“When you look back at the three years as a whole, I think back to lots of positive memories, good feelings and I’m so pleased with how it’s gone.
“I’m so thrilled to be sat in the position and still dreaming of what may lie ahead.”
