Manchester United via Real Madrid

Manchester United could have Jose Mourinho in their managerial hot-seat in just two years' time.

The former Chelsea coach is set to be unveiled as Real Madrid's new manager, but will have a clause in his new contract that allows him to move to the Premier League. The Special One has agreed a four year deal at the Bernabeu stadium after Inter Milan reluctantly allowed him to move to join the Spanish giants.

However, two years into his deal, Mourinho will be able to speak to any club providing they meet the required compensation. He has - on a number of occasions - expressed his desire to one day return to the Premier League, with Manchester United among the clubs rumoured to be interested.

It is believed that Mourihno, who spent three years at Stamford Bridge, was keeping close tabs on Sir Alex Ferguson's plans on retirement before making his decision to move to Real. Ferguson has said that he wants to remain in the Old Trafford dugout so long as he is healthy enough to do so.

United chief executive David Gill has revealed that there is a "small list" of potential managers in line to succeed the Scot, with Everton's David Moyes another possible target. On whether Mourinho featured on that list, Gill said "He's done well, hasn't he? He certainly has something about him. He's a winner."

Give all those stories of draining Premiership talent some context. With Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Ashley Cole ensconced in the Bernabeu, the Premiership title will be a walkover. Clever Jose, thinking long term.