Chelsea FC target Jose Mourinho could take Man Utd job - Steve Clarke

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho could take charge of Manchester United when Sir Alex Ferguson retires, according to his former colleague, Steve Clarke.

Mourinho, whose future in charge of Real is under increased scrutiny, last month stated that he will look to return to the Premier League when the time comes to leave the Spanish capital.

Chelsea are believed to be keen on luring the Portuguese back to Stamford Bridge for a second spell, while Manchester City have also been linked with the 50-year-old.

Mourinho has been linked with the Old Trafford hotseat for some time, however, and West Brom manager Clarke, who worked with the Portuguese during his time at Chelsea, believes that his old boss will step in when Sir Alex decides to retire.

"When you look at his track record and the clubs he has been at, it is one of the clubs he could manage," Clarke told reporters.

"I sent him a little text before the game [against Manchester United] wishing him good luck. I told him although the world would be watching, I wouldn't be because I was going to watch a Championship game!

"Over the Christmas period, they definitely had a rocky patch where it looked as though things weren't going to go great for Jose but they have turned it around quite well. They have beaten Barcelona twice and now turned over Manchester United."

Mourinho's side knocked United out of the Champions League in midweek and Clarke added: "I am sure Jose is focused on the fact he is going to try to win the Champions League with a third different team and in a third different country.

"I think that would be his main aim now and he will be completely focused. He is under contract with Real Madrid.

"As and when Real Madrid decide what they are going to do with their coach towards the end of the season, that becomes a different question."

Bookmakers Coral believe Mourinho will join Chelsea in their Jose Mourinho Next Job market, ahead of PSG, Man City and United.

Will Mourinho return to the Premier League this summer? Have your say below!