Soccer: Mourinho considers his options for a return to England

After another slip-up by Barcelona last weekend, Jose Mourinho seems increasingly likely to complete his grand slam of titles in England, Italy and Spain by winning La Liga this season with Real Madrid, then hand in his resignation. He has always wanted to return to English football, but where might he end up?

Arsenal

Arsene Wenger, whose contract runs until 2014, has never broken one yet and is not going to be sacked. The only possibility of a change would be if he considered resignation the honourable thing to do after a big failure - say, no European soccer at all next season.

Likelihood: 4/10

Chelsea

It would take a painful swallowing of pride by Roman Abramovich to re-employ the man he sacked five years ago. But if Andre Villas-Boas continues to struggle in his attempt to transform the squad and style of play, a replacement could be required sooner than had been envisaged.

Likelihood: 7/10

Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish's stock may be as high as ever with a majority of supporters - and they do not like Mourinho - but the club's hierarchy are less impressed after the Luis Suarez episode.

Dalglish has at times looked uncomfortable since his return to management and a departure is not unthinkable.

Likelihood: 5/10

Manchester City

As impatient for success as Abramovich, and equally ruthless, City's owners would be bitterly disappointed if they didn't win the Premier League title this season, and being pipped by Manchester United could mean the chop for Roberto Mancini, which would provide Mourinho with just the sort of platform he would relish.

Likelihood: 7/10

Manchester United

Mourinho is one of the few coaches big enough to fill Sir Alex Ferguson's shoes. But unfortunately for him there is no sign of them being vacated. Another year or so and the timing would be better, though even then some United traditionalists would not like Mourinho's style - on or off the pitch.

Likelihood: 5/10

Tottenham Hotspur

The word is that with Harry Redknapp apparently destined for the England job, soundings have already taken place about Mourinho's interest and availability. A return to London, a city where he and his family enjoyed living, plus almost certainly a Champions' League place, make this a good fit.

Likelihood: 8/10

England

If the Football Association really want the best man for the national job, they would have to stick Mourinho on their shortlist. But their preference is for someone British and Mourinho believes that is the right way to go.

Likelihood: 3/10

- Independent