JOSE Mourinho has been installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to replace under-fire Real Madrid boss Manuel Pellegrini.

The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ is believed to be top of the Galaticos’ wanted list after they crashed out of the Champions League to Lyon.

It was the sixth season in succession that the Spanish giants have lost in the last 16 of Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

“The defeat to Lyon means Pellegrini will probably lose his job at the end of the season and Mourinho is the early favourite.”

And the charismatic Portuguese boss is now the 9-4 favourite to replace the much-criticised Chilean at the end of the season.

Mourinho has enjoyed huge success as a manager in Portugal, England and, most recently, Italy after winning last season’s league with Inter Milan.

William Hill spokesman Tony Kenny said: “The defeat to Lyon means Pellegrini will probably lose his job at the end of the season and Mourinho is the early favourite.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger are joint second favourites at 5-1.

The current England International and former Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello is available at 8-1.

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