Mourinho in talks over Saudi move amid European interest – source

Jose Mourinho is in talks to take over as manager of Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab FC following his dismissal by Roma, a source has told ESPN.

Mourinho, who spent more than two and a half years in the Italian capital, is already in talks with Al Shabab sporting director Domenico Tite, while his agent Jorge Mendes is negotiating with the team, according to the source.

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)

Mourinho has also attracted interest from some European clubs, so there remains a chance he chooses not to move to Saudi Arabia.

Al Shabab are 11th in the Saudi Pro League and keen to replace struggling manager Igor Biscan, having won just five of 19 league matches this season.

Their squad includes notable names including former Atlético Madrid star Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco, Éver Banega, Romain Saïss, Habib Diallo as well as several Saudi internationals.

Mourinho has previously spoken of his desire to work in the Gulf state, saying in October that he was “convinced” he would work there at some point in his career.

He added that he rejected a lucrative offer from a Saudi team while he was still Roma coach.

Mourinho becomes Mendes' third client in the SPL, after Jorge Jesus at Al Hilal and Luis Castro at Al Nassr.

If the Al Shabab deal goes through quickly, Mourinho's first match in charge could come in a friendly against Roma on Wednesday in Riyadh.