Jose Mourinho latest: Manager rejects Roma but wants instant return with Manchester United in the frame

Offers immediatlely come in for sacked manager as Hiddink agrees to take over Chelsea hot-seat for season

Jose Mourinho watches Brighton vs Middlesbrough (Getty Images)

Jose Mourinho has already turned down an offer from Roma, it has emerged, despite taking the extraordinary step of announcing his immediate availability to go back into management just two days after being sacked by Chelsea.

The Portuguese released a statement through his representatives at Creative Artists Sports and Polaris Sports, stating “he will not be taking a sabbatical”. By this time, Roma had already made contact.

Mourinho is understood to have turned down the Serie A side. As reported by The Independent, the 52-year-old former Chelsea manager is targeting the manager’s job at Manchester United – a situation that could come closer to happening after Louis van Gaal’s side lost 2-1 at home to Norwich City yesterday.

The Independent on Sunday has been told, however, that Mourinho has received a number of other offers – although none from the elite band of super clubs.

Mourinho’s name was regularly sung at Stamford Bridge on Saturday – especially after the goals in an emphatic 3-1 win against Sunderland – which was in stark contrast to the lukewarm applause which greeted the confirmation that Guus Hiddink will take over as interim manager.

The Dutch coach sat alongside owner Roman Abramovich and the former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba during the game. There have been suggestions Drogba will be involved in a coaching capacity.

Some fans attempted to approach Chelsea’s technical director Michael Emenalo to express their anger over the situation, but were ushered away by stewards. After the game, Hiddink and Drogba went down to the pitch to greet the players, who were warming down. There were some warm hugs, especially for Drogba.