Jose for England!
Various sources this morning are reporting that Jose Mourinho's agent, Jorge Mendes, has been approached by the FA in regards to the role of England manager.
Mourinho is said to be on a short list of 5-6 possible candidates compiled by the FA since Steve McLaren's prompt dispatch following England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008.
Using the consultation of some of football's leading figures including Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, the FA is reported to have narrowed the list to the following six: Jose Mourinho, Fabio Capello, Martin O'Neill, Marcello Lippi and Jurgen Klinsmann.
BBC Sport correspondent Jonathan Legard believes the selection process to be nearing an end, stating "I understand that the FA's consultation process is all but complete. Brian Barwick, the chief executive, and Trevor Brooking have taken their soundings from within the game and as a result we could know the identity of Steve McClaren's successor before Christmas."
Reports in Portugal meanwhile claim that Mourinho is already in London preparing to meet the FA, the BBC however claim these reports to be wide of the mark. Despite having expressed an interest in the role, Mourinho is believed to be more keen on a role at a non-international level and has been linked with Real Madrid.
England's next friendly takes place in February 2008 against Switzerland and we expect a new manager to be in place by then. Of the six short listed, my choice would have to be Mourinho. Having worked with squad members such as Terry, Cole and Lampard and having a sound knowledge of the English game, he'll feel right at home.
Source: BBC Sport
