Chelsea right-back Branislav Ivanovic has admitted that it would be a "pleasure" to work with Jose Mourinho as the Portuguese boss continues to be linked with a return to Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho is believed to be ready to walk away from Real Madrid at the en d of the season and there has been plenty of speculation that he would consider a move to Chelsea; especially with the 50-year-old repeatedly declaring his love for the Premier League.

Branisalv Ivanovic
Branislav Ivanovic would welcome the return of Jose Mourinho to Chelsea. [Reuters]

With Rafa Benitez confirming that he will leave Chelsea at the end of the season, Mourinho has been installed as the bookmakers favourite to succeed the Spaniard and it seems Ivanovic would been keen to see him back at the club.

"I think, for a top club, for a big club like Chelsea, we need the best from the players and from the manager and maybe one day it will be a pleasure to work with him," said Ivanovic, as quoted in the Daily Express.

"We'll see. You never know and it's not time for us to speak. He was a success and for him personally he's said that Chelsea is his home and that he loved the club.

"This is something positive and with that atmosphere you can have good, positive things for the club."

The Serbia international was signed after Mourinho left Chelsea but it seems the former Porto manager's influence on the dressing room remains.

Influential first team players Frank Lampard, John Terry and Petr Cech all remain at the club and there is a belief that these players would also welcome the return of a manager who delivered so much success.

Mourinho delivered two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and the League Cup on two occasions during his three year spell at the club.

He has since gone on to have similar success with Inter Milan and Real Madrid but it seems increasingly likely that he will look to leave the Bernebeu as he has written off their title challenge.

However, Mourinho will be desperate to leave Madrid on a high note and will have the chance to make history if he can win the Champions League for the third team.

Real Madrid