Mourinho, 63, managed Real Madrid for three seasons between 2010 and 2013, winning the La Liga title and Copa del Rey.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, his camp has now made a direct approach, with the Portuguese understood to harbour a belief that there is unfinished business at the Santiago Bernabéu. Mourinho maintains a strong personal relationship with club president Florentino Pérez.
However, no formal contact has been made from Real Madrid's side, and the move does not command full support within the club's front office. Mourinho previously turned down an approach from the Bernabéu in December 2025 when Xabi Alonso was dismissed, choosing instead to remain at Benfica for the remainder of this season.
Álvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Alonso in January, is widely expected to leave at the end of the campaign. Real Madrid are heading towards a first trophyless season in years, eliminated from the Champions League by Bayern Munich and with La Liga now out of reach.
While Arbeloa has retained the support of his players, the results are expected to cost him his position.
Mauricio Pochettino, Didier Deschamps, Jürgen Klopp and Julian Nagelsmann have all also been linked with the role in recent days.
Multiple agents and representatives have made approaches to the club at its Valdebebas training complex, though Real Madrid have indicated that no decision will be made until the season is over.