Jose Mourinho is considering becoming Bruno Lage's replacement at Benfica after he was sacked following Tuesday's Champions League defeat against Qarabag.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager's side threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 against the side from Azerbaijan at Estadio da Luz.
Club president Rui Costa said they intend to have a new manager in place by Saturday but would not be drawn on speculation that Mourinho is their preferred option.
BBC Sport has been told Mourinho is open to returning to work in Portugal, 21 years after he left for Chelsea.
Mourinho was sacked by Fenerbahce on 29 August, two days after the Turkish club were eliminated from the Champions League play-offs by Benfica.
"Benfica coach's profile must be that of a winner," Costa said.
"A coach representing a club of this size must be one with the ability to bring this team to the levels we demand and give us the titles we desire.
"There's no point in talking about names here. No coach has been appointed, nor has any coach been mentioned to represent Benfica in the future."