Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is ready for talks with Newcastle United.

The Mirror says Mourinho is ready to talk to Newcastle's potential new owner if multi-billionaire Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan comes calling.

Advisors representing the Sheikh insists his £350million offer for the Premier League club is genuine, although their current owner Mike Ashley has yet to see any proof of the takeover funds.

Sheikh Khaled has his own managerial targets with Rafa Benitez's Tyneside future still shrouded in doubt. One of them is former Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid boss Mourinho, who is aware of the interest and 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.