Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho could be on the verge of a return to management after one club are “prepared to satisfy his salary demands.”
The 61-year-old Portuguese manager has been out of the managerial dugout since he was sacked by Serie A side Roma in January.
Jose Mourinho’s two-and-a-half seasons at the Italian club came to an end with Roma in ninth place in Serie A at the time of his dismissal.
The ‘Special One,’ who led Roma to a Europa Conference League title, also saw the Serie A club make an exit from the Coppa Italia at the hands of city rivals Lazio.
Mourinho has waited on the sidelines since his departure from the Stadio Olimpico, with the former Roma boss ruling out the idea of retirement.
The ex-Manchester United manager has made his feelings clear on a return to management and outlined what he would hope for from his next club.
During his time away from management, Mourinho has attracted interest from clubs and even turned down a lucrative offer to manage in the Saudi Pro League.
Former Man Utd boss Mourinho received ‘offer’
Jose Mourinho has been spotted around in the world of sport since his exit from Roma, including visiting Saudi Arabia for the Grand Prix in March.
The former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss was also at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh for Anthony Joshua’s sensational second-round knockout win over Francis Ngannou.
Mourinho has now been linked with Turkish side Besiktas and the club have made contact with the ‘Special One.’
Ex-Portugal boss Fernando Santos left Besiktas in April after the club’s disappointing run and Halim Okta became interim manager until the end of the season.
Speaking to TGRT Haber TV, Besiktas vice-president Huseyin Yucel said: “About a month ago, I met Jose Mourinho in Istanbul and he listened to our offer.
“He said he would think about it and give us an answer. He responded after a while and said he would like to meet again in Italy next week.”
Yucel to reunite Mourinho with Man Utd flop?
Mourinho could potentially be reunited with Manchester United flop Angel Di Maria, who is believed to be a target for Besiktas.
Angel Di Maria, who played under Mourinho at Real Madrid, is currently with Benfica and is out of contract with the Portuguese club next month.
ESPN reports that the 36-year-old World Cup winner is wanted by Besiktas and could play under Mourinho again if they both sign for the Turkish club.
Di Maria endured an ill-fated spell under former United manager Louis van Gaal and left Old Trafford after only one season and signed for Paris Saint-Germain.
Huseyin Yucel has now admitted that Besiktas are “prepared to satisfy” Mourinho’s salary demands in the bid to bring him to Istanbul.
“We [have] met Mourinho’s financial expectations. We are prepared to satisfy his salary demands,” he added.
“We will evaluate his hiring with the board of directors. If we reach an agreement with Mourinho, we will recommend that he includes [ex-Besiktas player] Ricardo Quaresma in the [coaching] team.”
