Jose Mourinho among candidates to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid

The Portuguese manager has previously managed Madrid

As a potential replacement for Carlo Ancelotti as head coach, Jose Mourinho's return to Real Madrid could come as a surprise.

At the end of the current campaign, Ancelotti is set to move from Madrid to become the manager of Brazil, and the Santiago Bernabeu team is seeking for his successor.

Mundo Deportivo claims that Mourinho's name is being bandied about by the capital club as a top contender to fill the vacant managerial position. Currently in the reins at Roma, the Portuguese manager will probably step down this summer when his deal expires.

After his tenure at Real Madrid ends at the end of the current campaign, Ancelotti appears destined to take over as manager of the Brazil national team. According to Ednaldo Rodrigues, head of the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF), the seasoned Italian coach will replace Fernando Diniz in the summer.

Jose Mourinho 'open to' Real Madrid return

However, according to the Mundo Deportivo article, should Real Madrid make an offer, the 64-year-old would take it.

After leading Inter to the European and Italian treble, Mourinho served three years as Madrid's manager. Due to the growing conflict with Barcelona and Pep Guardiola, his tenure as manager was rife with turmoil.

Following what he called the worst season of his career, Mourinho led the team to one La Liga championship in 2012 before leaving and being replaced by Ancelotti.

Before deciding on their next steps, Mourinho and Ancelotti will complete the remainder of their contracts with the teams they are managing currently.