As the Blues continue their search for a new manager, AS Roma head coach Jose Mourinho has rejected an approach from a Chelsea director about a possible return to Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho made it clear that he had no interest in a third stint at Chelsea after being approached to negotiate a surprise return to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have had a difficult season and are being led by former manager Frank Lampard as caretaker manager after dismissing Thomas Tuchel and his successor, Graham Potter.
Following positive talks with Blues co-owner Todd Boehly, former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is thought to be closing in on the job. However, according to new Italian reports, the Londoners have also approached Mourinho, one of their most decorated former managers, for talks about their vacant head coach position.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Mourinho was called by a Chelsea director who wanted to test his interest in a possible return to Stamford Bridge, where he had enjoyed success under Roman Abramovich on two occasions. However, Mourinho has refused to take part in discussions about the vacancy and is instead seeking talks with AS Roma president Dan Friedkin in order to clarify his long-term future.
Mourinho is a popular figure at Chelsea after leading the team to three Premier League crowns, three League Cups, and an FA Cup victory in two successful periods.
Mourinho has rebuilt his name in Italy with Roma, who are now sixth in Serie A but only four points behind second-placed Lazio. Mourinho also led Roma to the Europa League semi-finals after winning the Europa Conference League the previous season.