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After a disappointing World Cup exit at the hands of Morocco, Portugal are looking to the future.
Head coach Fernando Santos has a contract until 2024, but it appears the Portuguese Federation (FPF) is lining up Jose Mourinho to take over.
Mourinho himself is also under contract, with Serie A side Roma, until 2024, but the FPF are keen to get him in sooner than that and hope to agree a deal to rescind Santos' current deal.
All this is according to A Bola, who reported on Tuesday that Mourinho is the number-one choice to take over as national team boss.
The Portuguese outlet also reported that the FPF are considering other names, including Lille boss Paulo Fonseca and Rui Jorge, who currently coaches the under-21s.
Not an easy option
Mourinho might be the dream choice for the FPF, but he is not a straightforward choice, given his situation at Roma.
With a deal until 2024 and the option for a further year, the former Real Madrid coach has repeatedly said how committed he is to the Italian club, where he appears to be enjoying life.
Recent rumours linking Mourinho with Newcastle were dampened when the Portuguese coach reiterated his desire to stay at Roma. Might the national team have a bigger sway?
Then there's his salary, which at the Giallorossi is 7 million euros per year, making him the top-paid manager in Serie A, together with Massimiliano Allegri of Juventus.
Goodbye Fernando Santos?
Santos took over as Portugal coach in 2014 and has overseen the most successful period in the national team's history, winning their only ever trophies.
The Euro 2016 triumph was historic and secured his place in Portuguese football folklore. He also led the team to the first ever UEFA Nations League.
However, there have been constant criticisms of his style and recent tournament results have been disappointing.
Beaten at Russia 2018 by Uruguay in the last 16 and in the same round at Euro 2020 by Belgium, Santos was already on thin ice before Qatar 2022.
As impressive as Morocco have been, elimination at their hands goes down as a disaster for a Portugal squad this talented.
Just as it cost Luis Enrique his job for Spain, it looks likely that Santos will be Morocco's latest victim.