Although Mourinho's side are 10 points clear of bitter rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga, the Portuguese manager is said to have fallen out of favour with Real president Florentino Perez.

With the sacking of Villas-Boas at Chelsea, rumours and speculation have singled out Mourinho for an imminent return to England and also the possibility of bringing a star player to Stamford Bridge.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been identified as a potential requirement for Mourinho, if the offer from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was to happen.

The Russian owner and the Portuguese manager shared a strained relationship at Chelsea during Mourinho's reign, with reports of stand-offs over the signings of players and team tactics.

Ronaldo has enjoyed a rich vein of form since joining the Spanish giants for a record 80 million euros from Manchester United.

The forward has scored 96 goals in 88 games for Real Madrid, but his wages and cost to the club have created feelings of animosity from the fans, leading to boos and jeers from the supporters.