‘I’m ready’ - Jose Mourinho sends Eddie Howe warning amid Newcastle United links

Jose Mourinho has revealed he is “ready” to make a managerial return amid reported interest from Newcastle United.

NewcastleWorld understands Toon chiefs remain firmly behind Eddie Howe but that has not stopped outlets linking the Magpies with the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur boss. Mourinho was sacked by Roma in January - immediately fuelling speculation about a possible Newcastle switch.

The Portuguese tactician refers to himself as a “little Magpie”, a nod to his Sir Bobby Robson connections. He served as the Toon legend’s interpreter - and later assistant - at Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona.

Mourinho was also pictured greeting Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix earlier this month. Speaking to Fabrizio Romano, the 61-year-old opened up about his desire to return to the touchline.

“Cristiano opened the door in terms of believing that it is possible to be there (in Saudi Arabia) and live there,” Mourinho said. “To enjoy the development of a country that wants to be a different country. With football, that (Saudi people) have a passion but is not developed.

“When I had the (offers from Saudi), economically it was (tempting) but Roma was (more important), with European football and commitment. If you ask me in the future, experience has told me never say never - I’m ready to start again.

“Sometimes when you end at a club you feel like you’re in need of a rest, of a think, to process things. But in this case one day after I left, I was ready to go. I feel strong, I feel good, I love the work. I’m really ready. But I don’t want to make the wrong choice.”