Mourinho's got the Blues ahead of United clash

Posted by ESPN Staff

The 'Mourinho stay' chants aren't audible yet, but a Champions League victory over Man Utd could see a change in tone from the Real Madrid fans and media GettyImagesWill Jose Mourinho's future be determined by the clash with Manchester United?

Jose Mourinho has once again been linked with a return to Chelsea, with his future at Real Madrid hanging on the outcome of the Champions League blockbuster against Manchester United. The Portuguese ruled himself out of the running to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford this week, but has long been touted as a potential replacement for Chelsea's interim manager Rafa Benitez. It is claimed by a report in the Daily Star that the result of Tuesday's match may determine his fate, suggesting Mourinho could return to Stamford Bridge as early as this month.

After describing the match as the one the "world will stop for", Mourinho could well find that a loss to United may stop his career in Spain. Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw in the opening leg of the tie with United at the Bernabeu.

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, meanwhile, is on the verge of extending his stay at Old Trafford. The Sun claims the France international will put pen to paper on a new 12-month contract this week. His current deal - reportedly worth around £85,000-a-week - expires at the end of next season, and United are keen to avoid losing him for a minimal transfer fee after Evra was linked to the likes of Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

Speaking of losing players coming to the end of their contract, Arsenal may part with Emmanuel Frimpong. The combative midfielder is set to join Fulham on a permanent deal in the summer, after moving to Craven Cottage on loan, according to the Daily Mirror. The Ghana midfielder has been with the Gunners since he was nine years old, but evidently no longer features in Arsene Wenger's long-term plans.

Fulham boss Martin Jol was previously quoted as saying: "If there is an opportunity to take [Frimpong], I would probably do it."

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