Next Real Madrid manager odds: Betting suspended on Jose Mourinho

Betting has been suspended on the next Real Madrid manager market following reports that Jose Mourinho is closing in on a sensational summer return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The current Benfica boss shortened to the strong 1/5 favourite in the betting after undertaking discussions with the club's hierarchy regarding a move back to the Spanish capital.

Now it appears a move is ever closer to materialising with Madrid expected to trigger the Portuguese's £2.6 million release clause immediately after the conclusion of the current campaign.

"We've laid our last bit of 1/5 and feel it's time to pull up the drawbridge - everything suggests that Jose is heading back to the Bernabeu!" bet365's Steve Freeth said.

The 63-year-old was only appointed at Benfica for a second spell in charge back in September following his departure from Turkish side Fenerbahce a few weeks beforehand.

Whilst 'The Special One' has overseen an unbeaten domestic campaign at the Estádio da Luz, they have missed out on the league title with Porto nine points clear with just two matches remaining.

Mourinho's anticipated return to Real Madrid would come 13 years on from his previous spell in charge, and would end the European heavyweight's search for Xabi Alonso's long-term successor.

All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.