Fenerbahce line up former Roma coach as Mourinho replacement after losing title to Osimhenn's Galatasaray

Fenerbahce have reportedly begun preparing for a future without Jose Mourinho, and their first-choice candidate is Turkish national team head coach Vincenzo Montella.

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Speculation in Turkey suggested Mourinho was set to depart Fenerbahce at the end of the season to succeed Roberto Martinez as Portugal's coach following the UEFA Nations League finals in June, as Pulse Sports reported.

Mourinho, who signed a two-year contract with the Turkish club last summer, has not yet publicly stated whether he will remain in Turkey for the next season.

However, the experienced manager explicitly denied any contact with the Portuguese Federation, asserting his loyalty. 

"Yes, I can deny that I had any meeting with the Portuguese Football Federation,” said the Fener boss. “I am a loyal person

"The only time I had direct contact with a club, I informed Fenerbahce. It wasn't now, it was in January. I had a meeting with the [unnamed] club. I didn't accept the offer. But I informed my club even before the meeting."

Despite his claims, the Portuguese is believed to be unsettled at the club and he has been linked with an exit on multiple occasions.

The Yellow Canaries want him to continue, as the club president, Ali Koc, has previously expressed his desire for stability. However, according to Sabah, per NTVSpor, they remain on the lookout for a replacement.

Their preferred candidate is said to be another former Roma coach, Montella, whose current job is the head coach of the national team. His presence at the Fenerbahçe vs. Eyüpspor game last weekend instead of Galatasaray’s trophy-clinching match further fueled the rumours.