Jose Mourinho has already spoken out on return as Chelsea look for next boss

Jose Mourinho's feelings towards a Premier League return have bobbed to the surface after Chelsea's sudden split with Mauricio Pochettino.

The Special One has previously said he would be interested in a return to the division he won three times. Pochettino's unexpected departure from Stamford Bridge means the Blues' ownership are looking for their fourth permanent manager.

Reports understand eight potential managers have been drawn up as possible contenders, including Kieran McKenna and Roberto De Zerbi. However, Mourinho is still available having been sacked by Roma in January.

Back in March, The Telegraph reported that Mourinho was after a return to the Premier League and was believed to be interested in taking over at Newcastle United. At the time, current Magpies boss Eddie Howe was experiencing a difficult period of poor form at St. James' Park, reports the Mirror.

Howe eventually found his footing, guiding the Magpies to a respectable seventh place finish - if Manchester City beat Manchester United in the FA Cup Final will see Newcastle qualify for the Europa Conference League.

Mourinho is also believed to have knocked back offers to take over at clubs in the money rich Saudi Arabian Pro League. Despite Mourinho's brief tenure at Tottenham, the Portuguese maestro has expressed his enduring affection for the Blues.

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Speaking to Sky Sports, Mourinho revealed: "If you ask me, do I have somebody that I would love to take over from 'my Chelsea' let's say that, yes, I have but I close my mouth. The club reached such a level that it doesn't matter who it's with but Chelsea will always be Chelsea.

"Chelsea will always be big and my house will always be 200 metres away from the stadium. So I want to keep listening to the sound of happiness and success. I'm pretty sure it's going to be like that."

While there's been speculation about various managerial prospects, Mourinho hasn't been touted as a likely candidate for the Stamford Bridge hot seat.

It is believed that Chelsea are in pursuit of a younger, more innovative coach committed to an attractive, possession-oriented style of play.

Thomas Tuchel, another ex-Chelsea gaffer, is also reportedly out of the running, despite being on the market.

The German tactician recently parted ways with Bayern Munich after a season that saw them finish third in the Bundesliga, a significant 18 points adrift of Xabi Alonso's dominant Bayer Leverkusen outfit.