Jose Mourinho declares he is on the verge of being appointed Benfica manager after arriving in Lisbon for talks with the Primeira Liga club.
The 62-year-old is set to replace Bruno Lage, who was dismissed following Tuesday's Champions League home defeat against Qarabag.
Mourinho has only been without a club for under a month after being released by Fenerbahce.
"Benfica formally asked me if I was keen. Which manager says no to Benfica? Certainly not I," Mourinho told the media after landing in Lisbon. "When I was presented with the opportunity to coach Benfica, I jumped at the chance to say that I'm interested, that I'd want to."
Mourinho began his managerial career with Benfica in the year 2000 but managed only 10 games and departed after a disagreement with the club chairman.
He then made his name with FC Porto between 2002 and 2004, claiming six trophies - including the UCL in 2003-04.
After leaving his native country in 2004, Mourinho has managed the Blues, Inter Milan, Los Blancos, United, Tottenham Hotspur, AS Roma and Fenerbahce.
He left the Istanbul side on August 29, two days after they were knocked out from the Champions League qualifiers by Benfica.
If they appoint Mourinho, he would face the London club in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on 30 September.
Benfica also visit Newcastle and host Real Madrid later in the league phase of the tournament.
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