JOSE MOURINHO is willing to become the next England manager.
The Chelsea boss WANTS to remain at Stamford Bridge but has become
increasingly aware that Blues owner Roman Abramovich will oust him this
summer.
And Mourinho has told pals that if he is axed by Chelsea and the England job
becomes available he WILL talk to the FA.
A source admitted: "If Jose is out of Chelsea in the summer and there is a
vacancy with England he would listen to what the FA have to say."
England boss Steve McClaren's position is under intense pressure. Should
England fail to win their European Championship qualifier in Estonia on June
6 then McClaren will be sacked.
But there are senior figures at the FA who already think McClaren was the
wrong choice to succeed Sven Goran Eriksson and want a change in the summer.
Key members of the FA's international committee will be intrigued to know
that Mourinho would be willing to step in.
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has been identified as the No1 choice to succeed
McClaren. But Mourinho's potential availability will force a re-think.
In the past Mourinho, 44, has suggested running a national side would only
happen later in his career and that he would like to coach his native
Portugal.
But circumstances have changed. Mourinho wants to continue at Chelsea, until
his deal ends in 2010. He and his family enjoy London but his relationship
with Abramovich seems to have broken down irrevocably.
Mourinho recently hinted he would be interested in a move to Real Madrid.
But it now seems Bernd Schuster is ready to take over there.
