Chelsea are reportedly in talks to lure former boss Jose Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge.

Owner Roman Abramovich is believed to have sent out tentative feelers to see if the Portuguese would consider returning to the European champions this summer if, as he expected, he quits Real Madrid.

Abramovich sacked Mourinho in September 2007 but their relationship is said to have improved after the acrimonious split.

The Russian billionaire has missed out on his first choice, Pep Guardiola, after the former Barcelona boss opted to join Bayern Munich on his return from a year-long sabbatical from football.

And with the Blues struggling under interim manager Rafael Benitez, Abramovich is ready to swallow his pride and ask the self-appointed ‘Special One’ to make a dramatic return to west London.

Mourinho is still Chelsea’s most successful gaffer, and many fans are desperate to see him ride in to resurrect a golden era in which he bagged six trophies in three seasons, including back-to-back Premier League titles.

Mourinho is said to be keen for a return to the club he loves, but Chelsea would need to act fast.

The 50-year-old also likes what is happening at big-spending Paris St Germain, although another former Chelsea coach, Carlo Ancelotti, may be told to stay on for another season at the French club.

Chelsea’s form has dipped dramatically under former Liverpool chief Benitez, who saw his side surrender the lead to lose 3-2 at Newcastle on Saturday to make it four games without a win.

The Blues still sit third in the table, but with Tottenham, Everton and Arsenal breathing down their necks another failure to make the top four would be seen as a disaster and could prompt Abramovich to reach for his cheque book and pay whatever it takes to put Mourinho back in charge.