Jose Mourinho ‘targets Premier League star as first Real Madrid signing’ as Special One agrees stunning return

JOSE MOURINHO has agreed to a fairytale return to Real Madrid and reports suggest he’s already set his sights on Manchester City’s Rodri.

Fabrizio Romano reported that a verbal agreement has been made between the parties for a two-year deal, expected to be finalised after the last day of the season on May 24.

Jose Mourinho looks set to return to Real Madrid after 13 years Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Rodri is on the Benfica boss’ wishlist Credit: Getty

Spanish reports suggest that Mourinho, 63, will be announced later because the election process ends on May 23.

And it’s claimed that Rodri is already on the Special One’s wishlist.

The 29-year-old’s contract expires next year and talks over a new contract are said to have stalled.

The midfielder sparked rumours of a move to the Spanish capital in March after admitting that no player in the world could refuse an offer from Real.

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Rodri – who has struggled to maintain consistent fitness – may be taking lead from current Man City boss Pep Guardiola.

The six-time Prem-winning manager walked out from a live post-match interview with TNT Sports after City’s winning FA Cup final on Saturday.

Presenter Laura Woods told Guardiola that there are “many rumours” surrounding his departure.

The Spaniard was hesitant to reply, but put together the words: “Have a lovely evening.”

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Rodri could leave the Etihad this summer with Pep Guardiola Credit: AFP

The City manager then shook hands with Woods and pundits Joe Hart, Joe Cole and Steven Gerrard before exiting from the press area.

Enzo Maresca is the bookies’ favourite to become City’s next permanent manager with Vincent Kompany and Oliver Glasner not far behind.

Mourinho previously led the Spanish outfit for three seasons in which he won a single La Liga title and a Copa del Rey.

But the Benfica boss joined the Portuguese giants earlier this season following his dismissal from Fenerbache.

While the Eagles managed to go the whole season without losing a game, they boast the highest number of draws with 11.

This left them third in the table and out of the Champions League.

Curret Real boss Alvaro Arbeloa struggled to unite the Bernabeu backroom and looks likely to depart after taking over from Xabi Alonso – Chelsea’s new manager – in January.

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