Arbeloa would be happy if Mourinho returns to Real

Former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa has had a tricky time in charge of Real Madrid [Getty Images]

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has said he would be pleased if Jose Mourinho replaces him and leads the club next season.

Mourinho is in final negotiations to become the club's new boss, 13 years after his first spell at the Bernabeu.

The 63-year-old joined Portuguese side Benfica as manager on a two-year contract last September, but is wanted by Real president Florentino Perez.

"For me, as a former [Madrid] player and as a Madridista, Jose Mourinho is number one. He's one of ours," Arbeloa said before Sunday's game against Sevilla.

"If he comes back next year, I'll be very happy to see him back home."

Arbeloa took charge in January following Xabi Alonso's departure, but Real have finished without a major trophy for a second consecutive season.

• An iron fist joining a broken team: Inside Mourinho's Real return
• Mourinho in final negotiations to become Real manager

Arbeloa has also faced criticism from France striker Kylian Mbappe after he was left out of the starting line-up for Los Blancos' 2-0 win over Real Oviedo.

Mbappe had missed his side's two previous games, including last weekend's El Clasico which Barcelona won to secure the league title, with a thigh injury and when he came on.