Jose Mourinho’s imminent move to Manchester United could net Chelsea a big cash windfall.
The Special One is expected to be appointed as Louis van Gaal’s replacement at Old Trafford later this week.
Mourinho is understood to have agreed terms on a £12million-a-year deal with the Red Devils and only the finer details of the contract are being thrashed out.
United’s executive vice chairman Ed Woodward and super agent Jorge Mendes will continue their negotiations in London today with an announcement expected soon.
However, the sticking point in getting the deal over the line involves Chelsea after it emerged the Blues still own the European trademark for Mourinho’s name.
According to the European United’s Intellectual Property Office database, ‘Jose Mourinho’ remains a registered trademark of Chelsea Football Club Limited.
Chelsea’s ownership of the trademark is not due to expire until the year 2025 after Roman Abramovich made the move to secure its rights in 2005.
Jose Mourinho's Chelsea career in pictures:
United are keen to use Mourinho’s name to promote their own merchandise but will need to acquire the trademark from the west Londoners before doing so.
Reports suggest the Blues could demand anywhere between a six-figure sum to one rising into millions for the ownership of the Special One brand.
It is thought that Inter Milan and Real Madrid, who Mourinho managed before his return to Stamford Bridge, used his name under license.
There are also several conflicts in Mourinho’s and United’s commercial portfolios, which are further complicating the deal.
The Special One has an arrangement with car manufacturer Jaguar and United’s shirt sponsor is rival auto firm Chevrolet.
Mourinho also has a sponsorship deal with watch manufacturer Hublot, who the Manchester club parted ways with recently before teaming up with Bulova.
