Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho could be in line for a sensational return to Stamford Bridge, as The Daily Star understands that the Portuguese has been in regular contact with former boss Roman Abramovich. In fact, the report says that Mourinho has recently become something of a consultant to the Chelsea owner, calling and texting him frequently, along with former players John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Petr Cech.

This could be the strongest indication yet that Mourinho could be on his way back to the Bridge when he leaves Real Madrid, as many expect, at the end of the season. The Real coach, who turns 50 on Saturday, has alienated himself from the club’s management and several of his players this season, following a poor run of form that has seen Real drop to third in La Liga, 15 points behind leader  Barcelona.