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Jose Mourinho to Manchester United: Chelsea demand 'several million pounds' to sell rights to Mourinho's name

Mourinho's move to United has been held up by a dispute over his image rights

Jack de Menezes

Thursday 26 May 2016 12:46 BST

Mourinho's representatives have reportedly agreed on a salary and the length of his contract (Getty)

Manchester United may be forced to pay Chelsea millions of pounds in order to buy the rights to Jose Mourinho and complete their appointment of the former Blues manager as Louis van Gaal’s successor, with a financial minefield currently holding up the completion of his move to Old Trafford.

Mourinho and his agent, Jorge Mendes, agreed terms with United on Tuesday for the Portuguese to take over as manager, but the move has been held up after it emerged that Chelsea still own the trademark for Mourinho and have done since 2006.

Chelsea still hold the rights to three separate trademarks including the right to print Mourinho’s image on any merchandise, ranging from scarves and mugs to teddy bears and lingerie. Chelsea no longer hold the rights to Mourinho’s signature though, with that particular trademark expiring in January this year – a month after he was dismissed by the London club.

The three outstanding trademarks don’t expire until between 2023 and 2025 though, and with United needing to negotiate a deal with Chelsea to release the image rights for Mourinho, The Times claims Chelsea are holding out for a seven-figure sum.

It’s added that United will push ahead with plans to announce Mourinho as their manager on Thursday despite the disagreement, although the club will not be able to produce any merchandise with the Portuguese on it – denying the club millions in potential income.

Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

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1/11Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

John Stones

Mourinho's admiration for the Everton defender is well known with the Portuguese coach understood to have been behind Chelsea's bids for the England international last summer. Everton refused to relent back then but an offer of even more money from Manchester United might be too tempting to turn down.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Cesc Fabregas

Fabregas was understood to be on Manchester United's radar when he left Barcelona for Chelsea and the Spain international is of the quality that would improve United's current squad. Despite the reports that the former Arsenal player was among those who forced Mourinho out at Stamford Bridge, he was one of the few to speak publicly in glowing terms of Mourinho. "Thank you for all you have done for me," he wrote on Twitter. "I owe you a lot and we will all miss you. Good luck in the future."

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Gareth Bale

Manchester United hold a long-term interest in Bale and Mourinho's arrival will only strengthen their determination to sign the Wales international. It's been suggested that the Real Madrid forward has been put off moving to Old Trafford due to the uncertainty surrounding the club, but the appointment of Mourinho would go a long way to dispelling fears that Manchester United are a club in flux.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Alvaro Morata

Alvaro Morata has caught the eye of Arsenal, Chelsea and United, but the appointment of Mourinho as manager could give the Manchester club the advantage. Any move for Morata is likely to involve Real Madrid, and Mourinho's good relationship with his former club would help smooth over negotiations.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Raphael Varane

Manchester United spent much of last summer pursuing Sergio Ramos, but a repeat attempt to sign the Real Madrid centre-back appears highly unlikely if Mourinho takes charge due to their tempestuous relationship during their shared time at the Bernabeu. A move for Ramos' fellow centre-back Varane does seem plausible though, with Mourinho signing the defender from Lens and giving him his opportunity at Real Madrid.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Paul Pogba

Who doesn't want Paul Pogba? Despite claims the midfielder will move to Barcelona in the summer, nothing has been confirmed and while that remains the case the France international will continue to be linked with big-money moves elsewhere, including a return to Manchester United. Chelsea reportedly made a huge bid for the 22-year-old last summer, confirming that Mourinho is a fan.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Andre Gomes

The Valencia midfielder emerged on United's radar before Mourinho was linked with the club, but he appears to be a fan of the 22-year-old. One problem will be Valencia's valuation, which currently sits in excess of £40m.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Luka Modric

Mourinho revealed that he tried to sign Modric for Chelsea in 2014, confirming that a reunion with the player he worked with at Real Madrid appeals. It was Mourinho who signed the Croatian from Tottenham in 2012 and with the 30-year-old still operating at the top level on a consistent basis, he would certainly have something to offer Manchester United.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Joao Mario

Joao Mario is wanted by Mourinho after the Sporting Lisbon midfielder impressed his compatriot. Valued at around £27m, the 23-year-old would be an expensive acquisition for United, but he could follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo in heading to Old Trafford from the Portuguese club.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Ezequiel Garay

Garay worked under Mourinho at Real Madrid, but while he is being linked with a move to United, it's uncertain if he would be considered a first-team starter. Garay was sold by Mourinho to Benfica in 2011, having failed to impress the Portuguese, and he could be brought in to try and add the defensive depth that United are clearly lacking.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Mauro Icardi

The Inter Milan captain has reiterated his commitment to the Italian side, but offers are still expected to be made for the 23-year-old with both United and Arsenal linked with the striker as well as Chelsea.

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While both Inter Milan and Real Madrid have been given the green light to use Mourinho’s image when he joined them, United will not be given the same grace, and to make matters more complicated United want to hold the trademark outright themselves, meaning that further negotiations are needed with Chelsea.

United are keen to move forward with plans to complete his appointment on Thursday, with the Independent aware that a deal has been reached with the 53-year-old that will see him paid £10m-a-year plus bonuses.

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