Real Madrid have established direct contact with Benfica manager, Jose Mourinho, as they seek to bring the Portuguese back to the club.
President Florentino Perez is keen to appoint Mourinho ahead of next season.
Perez will however have to pay a fee to release the former Manchester United and Chelsea boss from his current contract.
Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X on Friday: “Real Madrid have started José Mourinho operation with direct contacts now taking place.
“Benfica want Mou to stay at all costs but aware of Real talks ongoing; it depends on Madrid.
“Up to Florentino Pérez: he will decide if Mourinho returns or not.”
This comes in a week when the tensions within the Madrid dressing room became public.
Captain Federico Valverde had to be taken to hospital after clashing with Aurelien Tchouameni in training.
Days before then, Antonio Rudiger reportedly slapped Alvaro Carreras and was forced to apologize.
It is also rumoured that certain players openly mock interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
