Jose Mourinho can quickly fire Chelsea back into being a "major force" in the Barclays Premier League and Champions League next season, according to Blues legend Ron Harris.

The 50-year-old Portuguese coach said he is on his way to London to close out the formalities of a return to Stamford Bridge after his exit from Real Madrid was confirmed.

Mourinho managed Chelsea between 2004 and 2007, leading the west London club to successive Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006.

Interim manager Rafael Benitez replaced European Cup winning coach Roberto di Matteo in November 2012, and following some initial difficulties went on to guide the Blues to a third place finish as well as winning the Europa League.

Harris - who made more than 600 appearances for Chelsea between 1961 and 1980, when the tough-tackling defender was part of the side which lifted the 1970 FA Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup the following season - is in no doubt Mourinho can push the club back into contention for a first Premier League title since 2010.

"If you have a look at every club Jose has been to, he has always been successful," Harris said.

"People will say he has not done that well at Real Madrid, but he took an unfashionable club like Porto to winning the Champions League, and did the same thing at Inter Milan.

"If he was to come back to Chelsea again, and with one or two adjustments to the squad they will be a major force, challenging for all the major honours again next season.

"If you look defensively, they are quite sound, maybe they will be bringing in another full-back, then a midfield player and another striker or wide player, that would give Chelsea an awesome squad of players."

One player who will be an integral part of the Blues side again next season is Frank Lampard.

The 34-year-old England midfielder broke the club's long-standing goal scoring record this season and agreed a 12-month contract extension.

He said in the official Chelsea magazine: "I made no secret of the fact that I wanted to stay - I love the club.

"I have been so well received and the fans have been amazing since day one.

"This club becomes you. Once you've played for it, you're always welcomed back for the rest of your life, so you become Chelsea and it becomes you."

Mourinho also expressed his love for Chelsea after his era as Real Madrid boss ended on Saturday night with a 4-2 win over Osasuna in the Primera Division.

Before he left Spain, Mourinho spoke to TV football show Punto Pelota about his future plans.

"I'm going to London on Monday and at the end of the week I will be the manager of Chelsea," he said.

"I feel the people there love me and in life you have to look for that.

"Life is beautiful and short and you must look for what you think is best for you."