Jose Mourinho has reportedly decided against becoming England's next manager in favour of taking charge of a 'top club side'.

Mourinho appeared to be closing in on the England job after the FA moved to finally hold talks with the former Chelsea chief, who is many fans' number one choice to succeed Steve McClaren.

However, despite reports early on Saturday indicating Mourinho was prepared to take the job, the latest indications are that the Portuguese has decided a return to club management is his preferred option, with a reported offer from a "big club" now on the table.

Speaking to the News of the World, a 'trusted confidante' of Mourinho's is quoted as saying: "Jose wants to be Portugal's golden son forever so it is very difficult for him to go and coach another country.

"He feared he would lose respect from his own people, his own country and that was too much for him.