Exclusive: Champions League-winning manager would now consider taking the West Ham job

EXCLUSIVE with Graeme Bailey

As we head towards the back end of 2024, there are a number of managers within the Premier League in perilous positions.

Julen Lopetegui is under serious pressure at West Ham, while Gary O’Neil’s job hangs in the balance at Wolves.

There may be a few Premier League clubs looking for a new manager in the near future, and there could soon be the chance to hire one of the biggest names in the game.

Indeed, Jose Mourinho said in recent press conference that his next job would be with a lower-tier English club, and while those comments were laughed off at the time, Mourinho may be set for a blockbuster return to England.

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Jose Mourinho angling for Premier League return

TBR Football sources have confirmed that Jose Mourinho is looking into moving back to the Premier League in 2025.

TBR Football previously revealed that Everton’s new prospective owner Dan Friedkin was ready to target Mourinho to head up their new project and lead them into their new stadium.

Friedkin is due to get his approval for the takeover early in the New Year and plans are already been discussed.

Mourinho for his part caused controversy this week when calling out the standard of the Turkish league, which has been seen by many to be the beginning of the end of his stay with Fenerbahce, despite only taking charge in the summer.

Mourinho is known to be a target for Newcastle’s owners PIF. Their initial interest has been luring him to the Saudi Pro League, but the prospect of a move to St James’ Park is believed to appeal to the Portuguese.

TBR Football sources confirm that as it stands current Newcastle boss is safe, although his long-term position will be fully dictated by the club’s performance on the pitch and that means European qualification is a minimum requirement heading into 2025.

TBR Football has also been told that Mourinho would consider West Ham United as a possible landing spot.

Mourinho has links to Newcastle

Jose Mourinho to Newcastle United has been a rumour that has done the rounds for a long time.

Ever since Newcastle became the richest club in the world, there have been murmurs that Mourinho could end up at St James’ Park.

Of course, this is because Mourinho is one of the best managers of his generation, but he also does have some links to Newcastle.

Mourinho was, of course, the protégé of Sir Bobby Robson, and, via Sky Sports, that link has always meant that the former Chelsea boss had a soft spot for Newcastle.

In another world, Mourinho would’ve been the Assistant Manager at Newcastle 20 years ago, but now, he could be in line to become the Magpies’ manager should they decide to go in a different direction away from Eddie Howe.

Mourinho is a manager to keep a close eye on as Premier League clubs weigh up whether to make a change in their respective dugouts in the coming months.