Jose Mourinho: Former Man Utd manager in opening talks with Guangzhou Evergrande

Jose Mourinho is in negotiations Hui Ka Yan to take over the Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande.

Jose Mourinho is in talks with the richest man in China, Hui Ka Yan, to take over the Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande, and possibly even the Chinese national team.

Hui, who is one of the chairmen of the Evergrande Group, has dedicated himself to develop Chinese football – helping them gain World Cup Qualification sooner. These two men met a few days back, with Hui determined to land one of the successful managers available in world football to make a huge statement of intent.

According to the reliable Telegraph, Jose Mourinho is tempted by the prospect of managing a Chinese Super League side and the national team. The Portuguese International is not contracted to anybody after getting fired by Manchester United last season.

The former Chelsea boss is impressed with the full-fledged development work towards Chinese football. In the recent past, Mourinho had spoken about new challenges and managing a national team.

Hui is well-known for his passion for football and strives towards the development of the overall game. Having qualified for the World Cup only once, China are solely focussing on the buildout towards their mission.

Guangzhou Evergrande has had successful managers in the recent past. Marcelo Lippi once managed the club and lifted the AFC Champions League on two occasions in 2013 and 2015.

It is regarded as the most valuable team in China and is currently coach by Italy’s World Cup winning defender Fabio Cannavaro with its squad including the former Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona midfielder Paulinho.

When Jose Mourinho was asked about the possibility of managing in China, he played it down because of his age. But, he reiterated that any individual should not be criticised because of the wantaway to the Asian mainland.

He said: “My opinion is that everyone is free to choose his life. I am nobody to criticise anyone.”

Here’s how Twitter has reacted..

What’s next?

Chinese side Dalian Yifang already announced the signing of Rafa Benitez. Jose Mourinho could follow his rival to China.