Reports in France claim former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has rejected an opportunity to take the vacant Lyon job.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas contacted the former Manchester United manager about the role after Sylvinho was dismissed from his position on Monday evening.

But Mourinho turned down the chance to take it on, according to French radio station RMC.

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

Mourinho is reportedly monitoring Tottenham’s situation as he looks for a route back into management.

He has been out of work since being sacked by Manchester United last December, less than a year into a new contract that was due to run until 2020.

According to the Daily Mail, Spurs are among the clubs that appeal to the Portuguese manager.

Real Madrid, coached by Zinedine Zidane, are another and Mourinho remains in contact and on good terms with club president Florentino Perez.

Mourinho, 56, is prepared to bide his time and wait for the ideal opportunity. He has been working predominantly as a TV pundit and joined Sky ahead of the season.

He said: ‘I have to be patient and wait for the right opportunity and the right opportunity is one that is at the same size and the same level that I am as a manager. I have to wait for the exact right one.’