The Benfica head coach, who previously spent three years at the Santiago Bernabeu between 2010 and 2013, was firm in his denial when asked about the rumours.

"No one from Real Madrid has spoken to me. I can guarantee that," Mourinho said. "I've been in football for so many years and I'm used to these things… but there's nothing from Real Madrid."

He reiterated his position when pressed further, stressing both his experience with transfer speculation and his current commitment to Benfica.

"No, nobody from Real Madrid has spoken to me, I can guarantee it," he added. "As far as Real Madrid is concerned, nothing. As far as Benfica is concerned, I have one more year left on my contract and that's it."

Despite Mourinho's insistence, reports in Spain continue to suggest he is a preferred option for Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who is believed to be driving the search for a new manager after a turbulent season.

Arbeloa, appointed in January following the brief tenure of Xabi Alonso, has struggled to stabilise results, with Real Madrid set to finish a second consecutive season without a major trophy. They currently trail Barcelona by 11 points in La Liga and were eliminated from the Champions League by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

The uncertainty has fuelled speculation over possible replacements, with Mourinho's name circulating alongside other high-profile coaches including Massimiliano Allegri, Mauricio Pochettino and Unai Emery. Reports have also suggested that earlier links to Jurgen Klopp were dismissed internally.

Mourinho, however, has repeatedly pointed to his contractual situation at Benfica, where he returned after more than two decades abroad. He remains under contract until June 2027, although clauses are believed to allow either party to end the deal earlier under certain conditions.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has even weighed in on the rumours, saying a Mourinho return would be welcomed from a marketing perspective.

"Mourinho is always a show, a spectacle, and that's good for LaLiga," Tebas said. "If that's what Real Madrid decide, it will be good for Real Madrid."

Mourinho's previous spell in Madrid remains one of the most high-profile chapters of his career. During his tenure, he guided the club to a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup, while also overseeing a fierce rivalry with Pep Guardiola's Barcelona side.

For now, though, the Portuguese coach insists any talk of a return is premature.

"There is nothing," he said. "Nothing from Real Madrid."

La Liga wrap: Real Madrid down Espanyol to hold off Barcelona's title charge