José Mourinho's appointment as Manchester United manager is being held up by Chelsea's ownership of the rights to his name and image, with the west London club thought to be seeking a sizeable payment for their release.

Chelsea stand to earn a seven-figure sum from the manager they sacked in December even as he takes over at one of their major rivals. Ed Woodward, United's executive vice-chairman, was locked in negotiations until late last night with Jorge Mendes, Mourinho's agent, and Chelsea, along with lawyers for the three parties.

It is understood Chelsea bought the rights to Mourinho’s name and image in 2005, a year into the first of his two tenures at Stamford Bridge. Despite being sacked to end his second spell in charge of Chelsea, the club continue to sell an array of products bearing his name and image, including mugs, phone cases and posters. Given Mourinho’s global profile, Chelsea can be expected to still earn considerable money from those rights.

There is no suggestion from United this could prevent Mourinho becoming Louis van Gaal’s successor. But Woodward is intent on acquiring the rights, or failing that may consider leveraging them by paying a licence fee to Chelsea, since they will provide lucrative income. The issue is expected to be resolved and Mourinho should sign a three-year deal with United worth in excess of the £7.5 million he earned annually while at Stamford Bridge.

(Guardian service)