Despite renewing their confidence in him this week, the Ittihad board has accepted Jose’s resignation, which includes a €160,000 release clause against him.

The Portuguese, who is believed to be a priority target for Egyptian champions Ahli, stepped down after Wednesday’s league draw with Najran, which is Ittihad’s eighth stalemate on the spin.

Widespread reports in Egypt suggest that Jose is on his way back to manage Ahli, who did not rule him out from their ongoing search of an overseas manager.

Jose is regarded as a living legend in Cairo for his glittering history as Ahli manager, which included three Champions League titles over two spells between 2001 and 2008.

He is widely tipped to take over from interim boss Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Shafi ‘Zizo’.