‘Nowhere near finished’ - Jose Mourinho ‘more likely’ to join Newcastle United than Chelsea

Richard Keys believes Jose Mourinho is “more likely” to replace Eddie Howe at Newcastle United than become Chelsea manager.

The 61-year-old revolutionised English football when he first arrived on UK soil in 2004. A braggish, cocksure coach who had just led Porto to an unlikely Champions League triumph, Mourinho - bankrolled by Roman Abramovich’s billions - began an era of dominance at Stamford Bridge.

Five trophies - including two Premier League titles - earned him messianic status in West London. Another league win and League Cup triumph in his second stint as Chelsea boss further elevated him above all others among Blues supporters.

Not even spells at Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have quelled calls for Mourinho to return in recent weeks. The 4-2 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers was the turning point for many Chelsea fans regarding Mauricio Pochettino.

They sit 11th in the Premier League - two points behind Newcastle despite their injury woes. But talk about a possible move to St James’ Park also materialised once Mourinho was sacked by Roma last month.

Eddie Howe retains the confidence of Toon supporters but a drop-off this season has led many to speculate over his future. Mourinho, as a former Sir Bobby Robson protege, became bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Howe.

Speaking to BeIN Sports, Keys called the Portuguese tactician “nowhere near finished” and insisted he would join Newcastle over Chelsea. He said: “What’s the fix (at Chelsea)? Mourinho might just be, although I still think it’s more likely that he’ll turn up at Newcastle. He’s nowhere near finished.

“Chelsea fans would love to see him back. No matter where he’s been and what he’s done, Chelsea is still home for Mourinho.”