by Joe Snee

Look who could be coming back. Yes, this week it has been reported that Jose Mourinho could indeed be about to leave Real Madrid in the summer, and citing a return to the Premier League as the likeliest destination.

Seven points clear of Barca heading into the final stretch of La Liga and into the last 16 of the Champions League, you would think things are all rosy at the Bernabeu. You’d be wrong. Mourinho has grown “sick and tired” with the politics and public falling outs within the camp. Another factor it would seem is that the Spanish press just don’t give him the veneration as much as the famous English media. During his time in England, Mourinho enjoyed great success not only on the pitch with Chelsea, but forged a great relationship with the media.

Once he left England, he got a slightly different treatment in Italy when he took over at Inter Milan. Despite less than healthy relations with the media and fans, Mourinho sensationally guided the club to the Champions League trophy seeing off Bayern in the final before leaving for the match made in heaven slot in Madrid. Since arriving in Madrid, Mourinho has guided them to just the Copa Del Ray, beating Barca in the final last season. Apart from that, he has struggled to overcome Pep Guardiola and the clashes between the teams have become petty and fill of controversy. Mourinho now seems keen to return to England, even if he fails to land the league or Champions League this season. My question now is, where?

Manchester United has long been his favoured destination and the challenge of replacing Sir Alex Ferguson is something that would interest the Portuguese man. Problem being, Fergie seems to have no intention of stepping down, not even for the Special One. Ferguson would realistically have to win something this season for him to even consider it being his last in charge, and even then, he would surely have to give the club their blessing to approach Jose.

Without financial problems, Spurs may indeed seem an attractive option for Mourinho.

If United are not the destination, then who is? AVB has been under a lot of pressure at Chelsea, but surely won’t be sacked so quickly after being appointed and given money to spend. Plus, everybody knows AVB is a fantastic manager and sacking him would not only be costly, but also a slightly stupid move. A swap with Arsene Wenger at Arsenal? Now, that would be interesting, but it is also a bit dramatic and something I highly doubt could happen. Liverpool? I can’t see them getting shot of Kenny Dalglish, even if they should. Dalglish will more than likely lead Liverpool to the Carling Cup, and despite possibly not bringing them Champions League football next season, the bond with the club seems too deep.

That leaves, wait for it, Tottenham. A surprise package some would say in this season’s race for the league, a team on the up. Fabio Capello will leave the England post at the end of the European Championships this summer, paving the way for ‘Arry to fulfil a long time goal of leading his country. Without financial problems, Spurs may indeed seem an attractive option for Mourinho. Players are in place who have superb quality, funds can be made available for some transfers and expectations remain at maintaining Champions League football.  The only thing that may hold him back is the wages he would be offered at Spurs, they are not known for heavy wage bills and despite Jose’s apparent claim that money is not a problem, it might be.

Joining Tottenham would also not hinder a possible move up north in the future, whether that be to City or United. United certainly have no problem in taking players from Tottenham, and presumably would not have a problem taking their manager. As for City, this season Mancini has done a very good job, he will surely not get the boot even if they fail to lift the Premier League this season. Mourinho would add something to Tottenham, probably lift expectations also. Beating Barcelona gets to Jose, he needs to get that out of his system. Either way, it seems the English media are getting their darling back this summer.

Although, I could be completely wrong, he may just take the England job….

This article originally appeared in Joe’s fantastic blog TalkingFootballStuff http://talkingfootballstuff.blogspot.com/2012/01/could-mourinho-spur-on-tottenham-this.html