Jose Mourinho and Florentino Perez are in agreement that Manchester City midfielder Rodri is the key piece Real Madrid need to rebuild their midfield, as TEAMtalk can confrim the Portuguese coach has now agreed terms in principle to return to the Santiago Bernabeu.<\/p>\n
Sources have confirmed that Mourinho<\/a> is on course for a sensational second spell in charge of Real Madrid after holding extensive talks with Perez throughout this month.<\/p>\n And one of the biggest discussion points between the pair has centred around the squad\u2019s long-term structure \u2013 particularly in midfield.<\/p>\n We understand both Mourinho and Perez firmly believe Real never truly replaced the influence, control and leadership once provided by Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.<\/p>\n Rodri<\/a> has emerged as a priority target some months ago, as TEAMtalk revealed<\/a>, and it is a positive for the deal that Mourinho is on board with it.<\/p>\n Mourinho is understood to view the Man City<\/a> star as the ideal figure to restore authority and balance in the middle of the pitch, while Perez equally sees the Spain international as the calibre of player capable of becoming the heartbeat of the next great Madrid side.<\/p>\n Sources state the pair are aligned in their belief that Rodri\u2019s composure, tactical intelligence and winning mentality are exactly what the current squad lacks.<\/p>\n Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google <\/strong><\/a>to your favourites list for news you can trust.<\/p>\n Mourinho agrees three-year Real Madrid deal<\/strong><\/p>\n The discussions surrounding Rodri formed part of much wider conversations between Mourinho and Perez over the club\u2019s direction and dressing-room situation.<\/p>\n TEAMtalk understands Mourinho has now agreed a three-year contract in principle to return to Madrid<\/a>, although an official announcement is not expected until after Benfica conclude their season against Estoril on Sunday.<\/p>\n The Portuguese coach has been in regular contact with Perez in recent weeks as Real assessed their managerial options following growing concerns over the direction of the squad under interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa.<\/p>\n Arbeloa was appointed at the turn of the year after replacing Xabi Alonso. While the club hierarchy remain appreciative of elements of his work, they ultimately concluded a more experienced figure was required moving forward.<\/p>\n A number of elite candidates were considered. TEAMtalk understands Jurgen Klopp, Zinedine Zidane and Didier Deschamps were all discussed internally and talks took place with multiple parties.<\/p>\n However, Mourinho quickly emerged as the preferred choice due to his experience, authority and confidence that he can restore professionalism and unity within the dressing room.<\/p>\n