Mourinho has been strongly linked with a return to former club Chelsea and looks certain to leave his current role as manager of Spanish giants Real Madrid in the off-season.

And Di Canio, who replaced Martin O'Neill at the Stadium of Light, says he would love to challenge the charismatic Portuguese.

"He is the 'Special One'. So it would be fantastic," Di Canio said.

"A few years ago I used to give questions to him because I used to work in television and ask him questions about the game.

"So imagine myself with Sunderland and trying to go to Chelsea and win against them. It would be a fantastic moment for everybody, also for myself."

Sunderland are in the midst of a relegation battle and, despite victories against Everton and local rivals Newcastle, find themselves just two points clear of the drop zone.

They host Stoke City on Monday as they look to pull clear of danger.