Jose Mourinho is expected to fly into London today to complete a deal to take over as Chelsea manager.
The 40-year-old coach of Porto is tipped to take over from Claudio Ranieri, who was sacked on Monday after four years in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho has enjoyed phenomenal success in the last two seasons, winning successive Portuguese League titles and following last season’s UEFA Cup success, with victory in the Champions League.
Having already retained their league title, Porto then captured the European Cup with a win over Monaco last week.
After the 3-0 win over Monaco in last week’s Champions League final, Mourinho told Portuguese cable channel Sport TV on Thursday: “I would really like to accept Chelsea’s invitation.
Chelsea confirmed Ranieri’s departure in a short statement that included mention of his work since he replaced Gianluca Vialli in September 2000.
“Claudio has done a first-class job for the club and paved the way for future success,” it said.
“We would like to wish Claudio all the best for the future.”
Meanwhile, Ranier can expect a handsome pay-off from the London club. He has expressed a preference to continue working in the Premiership and has been linked with the vacancies position at Totteham and Liverpool.
