Jose Mourinho is ready to hear from Newcastle United after it was confirmed manager Rafa Benitez was leaving the club.

The Mirror says Mourinho, who is aware of the interest has told friends the Newcastle job is one that he would consider seriously.

He has always had a soft spot for the Geordies, since working with his mentor and Newcastle icon Bobby Robson at Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona in the 1990s.

Mourinho left Manchester United in December with the club languishing in sixth in the Premier League.

He was also axed by Chelsea in his previous job in England but he had great success in two spells at Stamford Bridge before then.