One of Europe's biggest clubs has reportedly closed the door on a potential appointment of Jose Mourinho as their next manager.
The Portuguese tactician has been without a job since getting sacked by AS Roma in mid-January.
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Since then, though, there have been several reports linking him with a number of top jobs in Europe and Saudi Arabia.
However, the "Special One" remains unattached for the time being, with many believing that his stock has fallen after the fourth sacking of his career – he was dismissed by Chelsea twice, as well as by Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
Nevertheless, his name remains firmly in the rumour mill, with recent reports linking him with a return to Portugal, at Sporting CP or Benfica.
According to news outlet O Jogo, though, the latter club has ruled out the possibility of hiring Mourinho as their next head coach.
The Eagles currently have German coach Roger Schmidt in charge, and are looking to defend the Liga Portugal title after winning it in 2022/23.
Schmidt's job is not in any apparent danger, with the club's objective being to win the UEFA Europa League – they have a crucial quarter-final clash against Olympique Marseille kicking off on Thursday.
Speaking on his future in March, Mourinho suggested that he could be keen to join Sporting, who now look set to lose their manager, Ruben Amorim, to Liverpool after reportedly reaching an agreement to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
"If any of these clubs can be linked to the future? To the past, yes. Vitoria, Benfica and Sporting. Only God will know about my future," Mourinho told Sport TV.
"I live close to Lisbon. Going to the [Estadio] da Luz and to the Alvalade [Stadium] is easy, it's 20 minutes and I'm there.
"If I could train tomorrow I would, I feel empty when I don't train.
"I'll probably go back this summer and I'll try to make the best decision."
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It remains to be seen where he will take his career to next, but it is clear he is ready to step back into a dugout soon.
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