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Jose Mourinho has agreed to replace Louis van Gaal and become the next manager of Manchester United, according to dubious reports in Italy.
The Portuguese coach has been linked with Old Trafford ever since his departure from Chelsea last December, despite club officials insisting that they have made no formal approach.
Mourinho is keen to return to management this summer, recently telling reporters that he wants to be in his new job by 30 June at the latest.
According to a report by Sky Italia, the former Internazionale and Real Madrid head coach has now reached an agreement with United’s hierarchy and a deal could be completed in “a matter of time”.
“Jose Mourinho will be the next manager of Manchester United,” the story reads, published on the website of Sky Sports’ Italian arm. “The Special One, back from his second (unsuccessful) spell with Chelsea, will be the successor to Louis van Gaal on the bench at Old Trafford.”
"At the moment there is no official agreement, but it would seem only a matter of hours," the report, published on Wednesday night, adds. 'Una questione di ore', which translates literally as 'a matter of hours', can be understood as an equivalent to 'a matter of time'.
Sky Italia have a questionable track record on the story, having previously claimed that a deal was close between the two parties in February.
Despite the reports’ claims, The Independent understands that no formal approach has been made by United to Mourinho’s representatives.
On Wednesday, Mourinho revealed that he expects to have returned to full-time management before the end of the next month.
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"June 30, that’s fine," he said, while taking charge of a Fifa legends team in Mexico City. "Of course I miss it. In July I will be back. So we are in May.
"May to July is nothing. I keep enjoying my life, which I’m doing, keep enjoying my family. But in July I will be back."
Van Gaal’s hopes of entering the third and final year of his contract with the club were damaged by Tuesday night’s 3-2 league defeat at West Ham United.
The result left Champions League qualification out of United’s hands. To finish in the top-four, they must beat Bournemouth at home on Sunday and hope Manchester City slip up at Swansea City.
Van Gaal’s predecessor, David Moyes, was dismissed two years ago once a top-four finish became impossible, following a 3-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park.
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