Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon expects Jose Mourinho to be confirmed as coach this week.

Calderon claims the sacked Manchester United boss will sign a three-and-a-half-year deal to take over from Santiago Solari.

He declared: “I understand Mourinho will sign a deal for the remainder of this season and for another three years, with a net salary of £17m per year, possibly as early as Monday.

“He will return because something needs to be done and president Florentino Perez believes Mourinho is the best man he can get at this time — one of the worst periods in the club's history."

The Special One spent three seasons with Los Blancos between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga in 2012.

Calderon added: “Mourinho will be the perfect shield against the unhappiness in the media, the fans and the players.

“But it will not be easy and I predict it will be very difficult over the next three months."