Premier League: Why Jose Mourinho Could Be the Summer's Biggest Transfer Target

It seems even the "Special One" is not averse to the effects of the poisoned chalice that is the Real Madrid manager's job.

With around two months left of the season, Jose Mourinho could feasibly lead his side to a long-awaited return to Champions League glory and usurp Barcelona in La Liga and still be looking for a new club this summer.

Should he achieve such a feat (or even win one of those trophies), in the face of what some already regard as the greatest club side of all time, it is hard to believe any club would even consider letting go such a coach. But less we forget, this is Real Madrid.

Issues behind the scenes at the Bernabéu, from Mourinho's lack of popularity with the Spanish public to his reportedly non-existent relationship with director-general Jorge Valdano, have conspired to plant seeds of doubt in the mind of Real's President Florentino Perez.

The size of the egos in the Madrid hierarchy seem to match the popularity of the club worldwide, and a personality as dominating as last year's Champions League winning manager struggles to fit in.

These proceedings come at an interesting time in relation to the English Premier League's own power struggles, with there being good arguments to be made for each of the country's current big six—Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool—being interested in Mourinho's signature should he become available.

At this point it should be stated there has been nothing more than speculation in relation to this, and that in itself is hardly new with the Portuguese being linked with many high-profile jobs in England ever since he left Chelsea.

But it would be foolish to dismiss what could be heavy interest in a coach that is undoubtedly one of the most talented in Europe, and still a regular presence in British sports media.

Despite the acrimonious nature of his exit at Stamford Bridge, it was reported Tuesday on British TV channel Sky Sports show Revista De La Liga that there has been a thawing in relations between Mourinho and Chelsea supremo Roman Abramovich.

So much so the latter is considering bringing the former back and backing him with a sizable sum capable of rebuilding an aging squad that much of which dates back to his time in charge.

Chelsea are not in an altogether different scenario to Real right now, in that current manager Carlo Ancelotti's future could go one of many directions with a lot still to play for this campaign.

Some of the doubt over the Italian's prospects comes from the widely understood interference from Abramovich, and Mourinho would demand guarantees he would not suffer this for fear of replicating his current situation, or indeed his final months at Chelsea.

A return to a club very close to his heart would likely be appealing. But should he fancy a different sort of challenge, in Spurs, Liverpool and Man City he has three clubs with hopes of new dynasties of their own to be built.

Tottenham are interesting here. They rightly have reason to fear losing current boss Harry Redknapp to England at some point over the next two years, and should they know of some mutual interest could be tempted to make a move for Mourinho.

While they have a talented squad with some not, unsubstantial financial backing of their own, it would be a challenging project he might view beneath his current standing and possibly would not want to join one of Chelsea's big rivals (all of which would apply for Arsenal should they remove Arsene Wenger and embark on a different path).

Liverpool's supporters seem too keen to stick with Kenny Dalglish right now, but the club's new ownership could be interested in appointing such a high-profile name.

However, for similar reasons mentioned for Spurs and Arsenal, Mourinho might not be. A more tempting project might come in the form of Manchester City.

The chance to make City not only the dominant force in the Premier League, but also in Manchester, might be very appealing for a man who enjoys a competitive rivalry with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Dismissing Roberto Mancini, who is doing a very respectable job with City right now, would be a harsh move by the club's Arab ownership but one they might view as necessary should they risk losing out on the return Mourinho might provide.

There are already some very talented pieces at Man City, and the unparalleled financial backing he would receive would aid Mourinho in building teams capable of being at the top of European football for years to come.

The job some believe Mourinho has been waiting for though, lies across Manchester.

The huge respect that underlies his rivalry with Ferguson could be the same reason for him wanting the challenge to replace the Scot and carry on his work.

The idea of Mourinho at Old Trafford has divided those at the club.

Sir Bobby Charlton has previously expressed his doubts over whether his preferred playing style would suit United, while Rio Ferdinand has suggested he is the only man capable of replacing Ferguson.

Writing off Sir Alex Ferguson has repeatedly been proven as a fool's task. But at some point United will have to look beyond a time with their most successful ever manager.

If this season is the time when Ferguson puts United ahead of Liverpool in most English title wins, or he wins a third Champions League or even a second treble, there would be no better time to part ways.

Especially if it means doing otherwise would risk losing the best possible replacement for him.