Jose Mourinho wants to take over at Real Madrid after deciding to quit Inter Milan at the end of the season. Sources in Italy have told Standard Sport that the 46-year-old does not believe the time is right for a return to English football and will reject any approach from Chelsea or Manchester City.

Relations between Mourinho and the Inter board have become strained as the club's hierarchy demand instant success in Europe.

The situation will have intensified after Inter were knocked out by United after a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.

The Portuguese has also had an ongoing battle with the Italian media ever since taking charge at the San Siro last summer and feels he will have nothing left to prove should his team win the League, regardless of their exit in Europe.

Mourinho also faces being interviewed by Greater Manchester Police after they received a complaint from a fan who claimed he had been punched by the coach as he was standing by the Inter team bus outside Old Trafford, although the club insist nothing untoward happened.

Although City are likely to offer Mourinho a fortune in salary and transfer funds should Mark Hughes depart in the summer, the Portuguese has now set his sights on a return to Spain as he looks to continue to build a successful career in a variety of countries.

Chelsea insist Russia coach Guus Hiddink is only in temporary charge until the end of the season and a significant section of the Blues faithful would want their former boss back in charge.

Mourinho won four League titles, a Champions League and a UEFA Cup in his time with Porto and Chelsea, who sacked him in September 2007 amid rumours of a falling out with owner Roman Abramovich. His Inter side are currently seven points ahead of Juventus in Serie A.

A source said: "It is not about money with Mourinho - Chelsea made him a very rich man when they sacked him. He wants titles and does not think he should be undermined by the board as could happen in Italy. Despite his links with Barcelona, he would have no problem taking over at Madrid."

Mourinho worked under Bobby Robson at a variety of clubs during the 1990s including Barcelona, where he earned the nickname 'The Translator' before embarking on a coaching career. It is thought Mourinho's ideal return to England would be to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at United.