Jose Mourinho wanted for stunning Real Madrid return in bombshell update

Jose Mourinho has reportedly been targeted for a sensational return to Real Madrid.

According to The Athletic, Los Blancos president Florentino Perez has zeroed in on Mourinho as the man to take over from Alvaro Arbeloa.

The report adds Perez has taken it upon himself to lead the club's recruitment process for their next manager.

Why is Florentino Perez leading Real Madrid's managerial search?

It marks a departure from the approach that led to Xabi Alonso's appointment last summer as Carlo Ancelotti's successor, which was led by Madrid's general manager Jose Angle Sanchez.

But the unfortunate manner in which Alonso's tenure played out has prompted a rethink from Perez, although the report claims some voices within the club are not on board with re-hiring Mourinho.

Mourinho, who only took the reins at Benfica last September, was previously in charge of Real from May 2010 to June 2013.

How well did Mourinho do when he was last in charge of Real Madrid?

In that time, he led Los Blancos to the 2011/12 LaLiga title, the Copa del Rey as well as a Spanish Super Cup.

During Real's successful LaLiga campaign under Mourinho, the Spanish giants set a competition record for the most points in a single season (100), although it was equalled the following year by Barcelona.

That same Real team also set the benchmark for the most goals scored in a LaLiga season with 121, of which a staggering 46 came via Cristiano Ronaldo.

Perez's desire to bring Mourinho back to the Bernabeu comes as the Spanish giants look set to endure a second-straight season without any major silverware.

Real were knocked out of this season's Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Bayern Munich and suffered a shock exit in the Copa del Rey round of 16 at the hands of second tier side Albacete in what was Arbeloa's first game in charge.

Key to Madrid's mooted pursuit of Mourinho is the existence of a €3million (£2.6m) break clause in his Benfica contract.

It allows Mourinho or Benfica to call an early end to his tenure within a 10-day window following the club's final league fixture.

Nightmare for Newcastle?

News of Perez's desire to restore Mourinho in the Bernabeu dugout may come as unwelcome news to Newcastle's powerbrokers.

talkSPORT understands the fiery Portuguese manager has admirers among the Mapgies' hierarchy and would be a serious contender for the role should Eddie Howe be axed.

Newcastle's Saudi owners are believed to be keen on appointing a big name, with former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini's name also expected to feature in discussions.

Why are Madrid likely to move on from Alvaro Arbeloa?

Regardless of whether Mourinho ends up next season, all signs point towards a likely exit for Arbeloa.

The 43-year-old was appointed as Madrid's head coach in January following Alonso's sacking.

Curiously, Arbeloa was announced as a permanent replacement rather than as an interim appointment given the Madrid job was his first in senior football.

Arbeloa had previously led Madrid's youth teams and was in charge of Real Madrid Castilla, the club's B team, prior to his promotion.

The former defender, who made over 200 appearances for Los Blancos during his playing days, has overseen 23 games in charge of Madrid and boasts a record of 14 wins, two draws and seven defeats.

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