Jose Mourinho and Wayne Rooney: Chelsea's Perfect Double Act

His mere presence alone at Stamford Bridge this season has given some Chelsea fans the confidence that the Blues' title rivals need not even turn up to challenge for the Premier League trophy in 2013-14.

It's a bold thought, but Jose Mourinho's return to West London has restored the bravado of the club's supporters to the extent that nothing seems impossible, even breaking up Manchester's recent monopoly of English football at the first time of asking.

Chelsea fans have certainly got their swagger back after a season of turmoil in SW6, where they not only protested at the dismissal of yet another manager in Roberto Di Matteo but also refused to support his temporary replacement, Rafa Benitez.

Add the Wayne Rooney factor into the equation, and followers of the Blues will be easily forgiven for thinking they'll have the Premier League wrapped up as quick as you can say "campeone."

The rumor mill continues to spin where the Manchester United forward is concerned. David Kent of the Daily Mail suggested this weekend that Rooney is ready to submit a transfer request in the coming days as he looks to force through a move to Stamford Bridge, while Charles Reynolds of The Independent reported the Blues were looking to increase their bid for him to £40 million.

And whether they like his character or not, approve of his lifestyle or even simply dislike him for representing a rival, Blues fans cannot deny the ability Rooney possesses.

He is a player of world-class quality, and should he join forces with a manager who mirrors his talents from the dugout, it can only spell bad news for Chelsea's rivals at home and abroad.

Indeed, just as exciting as it should seem for Blues fans, the rest of the Premier League and Europe needs to follow this will-he-won't-he saga with an air of caution, for a Mourinho-Rooney combination has the potential to be one of the globe's most lethal.

On one hand, the Blues have a manager with a track record of success, reinvigorating the careers of players under his tutelage and ensuring they squeeze every ounce of talent from their repertoire. On the other is Rooney, a man whose pride has been dented by being made Robin van Persie's understudy at Old Trafford and who now has a major point to prove.

Didier Drogba's career was on the rise when he joined Chelsea in 2004. He wasn't the player world football came to respect, though. It was working with Mourinho that made him that, as he realised his true potential in becoming one of the most feared players in his profession.

The same can be said for Diego Milito, who having spent just one season under the Portuguese coach's wing prior to the 2009-10 campaign was soon crowned UEFA's Footballer of the Year, having scored the goals that sealed Inter Milan's 2010 Champions League triumph.

Karim Benzema went from scoring nine goals for Real Madrid in the season prior to Mourinho's 2010 Bernabeu arrival to 26 in 2011, 33 in 2012 and 21 last term. Even South African striker Benni McCarthy was a threat at Porto under Mourinho, scoring vital goals in the club's Champions League success in 2004.

It's a track record that speaks for itself, with Drogba arguably Mourinho's greatest success. But Chelsea are now better equipped than they were when the Ivorian enjoyed his finest years at Stamford Bridge.

With Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, Andre Schurrle and Oscar forming an awesome quartet of attacking midfielders, arguably the Blues haven't looked this strong in attack at any time in the club's history. Now all they need is a player of Rooney's talents to complete the set and fire the ammunition those behind him will supply in abundance.

Rooney's a Mourinho player. He fits the mould almost to perfection. He's tenacious, committed and plays with the desire that is often the benchmark of a Mourinho outfit.

Bring Rooney to Chelsea and he will epitomize the very hallmark of Mourinho's managerial career—success. If this transfer happens, Chelsea will have their perfect double act.

Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent and will be following the club from a London base throughout the 2013-14 season. Follow him on Twitter here @garryhayes