The Special One expects to finally take charge of Real Madrid next week after the Spanish giants reached a deal with Inter Milan to release him.

Asked which player he would love to manage, Mourinho said: "I'm going to say it because it's impossible.

"I would love to manage Wayne Rooney, as much for his talent as a player as for his mentality.

"But my friend Sir Alex Ferguson can be calm because it's impossible."

Mourinho's words are certain to upset Fergie as it is well known that Real president Florentino Perez has targeted Manchester United striker Rooney, 24.

Madrid are desperate to snap up the biggest name in English football and Mourinho has clearly sent a very public message.

Old Trafford gaffer Ferguson has already lost Cristiano Ronaldo, who went to the Bernabeu last summer for a world-record £80million fee.

Top Madrid sources have told SunSport that Perez wants Rooney and is preparing a mega-bucks bid as well as a whopping £10m-a-year salary.

Last night, Inter paved the way for Mourinho's departure after agreeing a deal with Real that will see his £13.5m penalty clause slashed in half.

The compromise was reached at a meeting in Milan between Inter president Massimo Moratti and Real's big spender Perez.