Mourinho Chooses New Club, Turns Down Lyon Job.

Former Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho has turned down the vacant managerial role at Lyon because he has already chosen another club, according to club president Jean-Michel Aulas.

‘We had some fairly flattering exchanges over SMS. It was nice for everyone. He did not accept our proposal to meet because he has already chosen another club,’ the Lyon chief admitted in a telephone press conference on Thursday morning, according to Get French Football.

Aulas had contacted the former Manchester United manager about the role after Sylvinho was dismissed from his position on Monday evening.

French radio station RMC revealed on Wednesday that Mourinho had turned the job down as he focuses on a return to English football.

The Portuguese wants to find a job in England rather than moving to France, as his family are still based here following his time at Old Trafford and Chelsea.

Laurent Blanc is the other main target for Aulas and will be holding a meeting with the club over the coming days.

He is the favourite for the role and could be appointed before the beginning of next week.

Lyon are keen to have someone in situ as their new manager after the weekend.

But Aulas would not be drawn on the possibility of appointing the former France and PSG boss.