Jose Mourinho has already chosen next club, says Lyon chief

Jose Mourinho is keen on returning to the dugout [Courtesy]

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has claimed that Jose Mourinho snubbed the French club because he has already decided on his next managerial role.

The former Manchester United and Chelsea boss is waiting for the right opportunity to return to club management after being sacked as Red Devils boss in December last year.

Aulas recently contacted Mourinho about the vacant Lyon managerial role following the sacking of Sylvinho.

However, Mourinho made it clear that his focus is on returning to management in England, where his family currently live, and Lyon will now turn their attention to former France and Paris Saint-Germain manager Laurent Blanc.

The Lyon chief said: "We had some fairly flattering exchanges over SMS. It was nice for everyone.

"He did not accept our proposal to meet because he has already chosen another club."

It is understood that Mourinho is reportedly eyeing the Tottenham manager's job as speculation continues over the future of Mauricio Pochettino.

The Daily Mail claims Mourinho is open to the idea of managing the north London club should under-fire Pochettino leave.

Saturday's shock 3-0 defeat away to Brighton followed last Tuesday's 7-2 thrashing at home to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, increasing the pressure on Pochettino.

And, never one to sell himself short, Mourinho has said he is waiting for a club "the same level" that he is as a manager.

He said: "I have to be patient and wait for the right opportunity and the right opportunity is one that is at the same size and the same level that I am as a manager. I have to wait for the exact right one."

Mourinho has also turned down job offers from Benfica and Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande as he waits for the right club.