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Report: Mourinho's Manchester move stalled over image rights talks

Reuters

Jose Mourinho's move to Manchester United is all but certain, with the Portuguese gaffer's image rights the last stumbling block before an agreement between the two parties can be reached.

Lawyers from both sides are in the midst of negotiations, with the former Chelsea boss' personal endorsement deals conflicting with United's corporate-sponsorship agreements, according to a report from James Ducker of the Telegraph.

Related - Report: United holds day 2 of talks with Mourinho

United has a seven-year deal with Chevrolet - a division of General Motors - worth £357 million, and is hopeful to resolve any conflicts of interest with Mourinho's deal with car manufacturer Jaguar.

The two also boast different watch sponsors, with United under contract with Bulova, and the Champions League winner Mourinho with Hublot. Mourinho and United also have sponsorship deals with two different casinos, though it's uncertain if the various contracts will pose a threat to a potential managerial appointment at the club.

Both parties are tied to Adidas, with the club in a 10-year, £750-million deal, while Mourinho is a global ambassador for the German sporting wear manufacturer.

There may also be a second obstacle for Mourinho, as the European Union's Intellectual Property Office database confirms that 'Jose Mourinho' is a registered trademark of the London club.

"Chelsea could be earning revenue every time someone uses Mourinho's name. It could prevent United from exploiting his signature," sports lawyer Carol Couse told the BBC.

"If United had a brand of Mourinho clothing it would be in breach of the trademark Chelsea currently own."

Even with the varying sponsorship deals, Mourinho has reportedly already agreed to a three-year contract valued at £12 million annually with bonuses.

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