Jose Mourinho has said he would want to become coach of Portugal on a temporary basis - but has suggested he would not be allowed by his club Real Madrid.

Mourinho took charge at the Bernabeu this summer, and is tasked with overturning the dominance of fierce domestic rivals Barcelona. Portugal find themselves rudderless after sacking coach Carlos Queiroz.

He was suspended for six games after trying to disrupt a drugs test, but a draw at home to Cyprus followed by defeat to Norway in the first games of World Cup qualifying were enough to cost him his job.

Reports in Portugal suggested Mourinho - who led Inter Milan to the Champions League title last season - was wanted to take charge of the national team against Denmark and Iceland next month.

That would allow the Portuguese Football Federation time to seek out a permanent appointment.

"If it were not for Real Madrid I would do it for free. If you ask me right now if I can go, I think not," said Mourinho.

"I have a contract with Real Madrid. I do not say no, but in the natural way of things, I do not think this is the time."