Jose Mourinho has been made clear favourite to become the next manager of Real Madrid.

Mourinho was axed as boss of Manchester United in December, and has already been linked with a number of roles and even turned down a chance to take charge of Benfica this week.

Real’s current interim boss is Santiago Solari, who took charge after the sacking of Julen Lopetegui in October, has failed to turn things around.

The club currently sit fifth in La Liga, ten points behind Barcelona – and that has led to the speculation that Mourinho could be set for a return to the Santiago Bernabeu, where he spent three years up to 2013.

Now Bookmakers firmly believe he is favourite for Real hot-seat. Paddy Power make the ‘Special One’ 5/2 favourite to be next permanent Madrid manager.

As pressure mounts on Santiago Solari, it’s rated 6/1 (in from 10/1) that Mourinho is announced as manager before the end of the month, or it’s even more likely to happen before the end of the season (7/2).

And, with two games in the pipeline for Los Blancos this week, it’s an 8/1 shot that Mourinho is appointed before midnight on Sunday.

Other candidates for the role include Antonio Conte (7/2), Joachim Low (6/1), Massimiliano Allegri (7/1), Mauricio Pochettino (15/2) and Arsene Wenger (20/1).

Spokesman Paddy Power said: “Real Madrid are now fifth in La Liga, and ten points behind rivals Barcelona. Which seems fitting for Jose Mourinho, who was sacked from Man United after putting them in an even worse position in the Premier League.

“And, with Santiago Solari seemingly on the brink of the sack, we believe Jose could be heading to a hotel suite in Madrid as soon as this month.”