Lyon president: Mourinho rejected talks because he has 'chosen another club'

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas claimed that former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho rejected an opportunity to interview for the vacancy at the Ligue 1 side.

"We had some fairly flattering exchanges over SMS," Aulas said, according to Get French Football News. “It was nice for everyone. He did not accept our proposal to meet because he has already chosen another club."

While it's unclear where the 56-year-old will manage next, Mourinho has previously insisted he won't rush back to the touchline until the right opportunity arises.

"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," he said, according to the Guardian.

The Portuguese manager has been out of work since Manchester United sacked him last December.

Meanwhile, a report earlier this week suggested that former France and Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc was at the top of Lyon's list of candidates to replace Sylvinho, who was relieved of his duties on Monday after a woeful start to the Ligue 1 season.

Aulas wasn't willing to delve into details over a possible move for Blanc, saying, "If he was my priority, I wouldn’t tell you."

He did, however, hint at the possibility of interviewing former Aston Villa manager Remi Garde for the vacancy.

"He has not yet been contacted but it is a possible route," Aulas said. "For the moment, talks haven’t happened but maybe they will."

Lyon sit 14th in Ligue 1 with just nine points from nine matches.