Stamford Bridge sources say Mourinho has indicated he would be eager to take control at Soho Square if Steve McClaren is sacked. And the Blues manager has already discussed the challenges of the England post with trusted confidants at the club.

Mourinho's relationship with Roman Abramovich has broken down so completely that the owner avoids being under the same roof as his manager - never mind in the same room.

Chelsea sources have confirmed recent reports that Mourinho, whose team take on Blackburn tomorrow in the FA Cup semi-final, will be fired at the end of the season even if he wins the unique Quadruple.

Abramovich has abandoned his post-match custom of going into the dressing room and even missed Chelsea's Champions League victory in Valencia in midweek.

But while Abramovich still goes to the club's training ground in Cobham, Surrey, on a regular basis, he makes a point of avoiding Mourinho.