Jose Mourinho prepared to take massive pay-cut to secure Manchester United job

Jose Mourinho would almost work for free if it meant putting one over his old employers at Chelsea.

Mourinho made it clear, last weekend, that he was not interested in taking time away from the game after his sacking by the Blues. It is no secret that he covets the United job but that seemed highly unlikely when, in 2013, he pitched up at Chelsea for a second stint. By last summer, Chelsea were title winners and Louis van Gaal had guided United back to the Champions League. Six months on, however, and Mourinho left Chelsea hovering just above the relegation zone while United are out of the Champions League and winless in six matches. Several newspapers have given their take on the Mourinho to United scenario. The Times claims informal talks have already taken place between United and the Portuguese, while The Mirror say Alex Ferguson will be asked for his opinion on the matter. Most interestingly, The Star report that Mourinho is willing to sign a four-year deal - with a pay-cut totalling £16m - just to get his foot in the door at Old Trafford. Mourinho, it is claimed, will still get a healthy £6m-a-year but that is down £4m on the deal he signed with Chelsea when he was at the height of his powers... six months ago.