Ruben Amorim speaks for the first time after flying to London to hold talks with West Ham about becoming their next manager – as Sporting Lisbon boss returns to Portugal

In-demand manager Ruben Amorim remained tight-lipped as he returned to Portugal after a whirlwind trip to London following talks with West Ham over succeeding David Moyes at the helm.

On Monday, the Sporting Lisbon boss flew to the English capital to speak with the Hammers as they assess the future of the club beyond the end of the season.

And upon his return to his homeland hours later, landing just after midnight on Tuesday, the 39-year-old was met by a swarm of journalists asking about his future.

Despite being bombarded with questions and having multiple cameras and photographers in his face, Amorim laughed off speculation about his next move.

‘See you Saturday,’ he simply said to the media, alluding to his next press conference previewing Sporting Lisbon’s match with Porto which takes place on Sunday night.

CNN Portugal reported on Monday that Amorim flew out to London on a plane organised by West Ham’s owners, to meet with them over becoming the next manager at the London Stadium. 

It’s said that he left Portugal, accompanied by businessman Raul Costa, after Sporting’s training session on Monday.

The Portuguese leaders have two days off before returning to training on Thursday, as they prepare for a massive clash with rivals Porto this Sunday.

Amorim could be available to English clubs for £12.8million and was top of Liverpool’s list but is no longer the preferred candidate for the Anfield job.

A decision on Moyes and his potential replacement will not take place until the season ends. As well as Amorim though, the Hammers have held talks with Julen Lopetegui.

The Spaniard is a more viable option for West Ham and has been out of work since leaving Wolves in the summer, but is keen to get back into management. 

Moyes is out of contract at the end of the season but stated in February that he had been offered a new deal and that the decision over whether he stays was in his own hands.

Hammers technical director Tim Steidten has drawn up a list of candidates and Mail Sport understands that talks have taken place with Amorim, who has led Sporting Lisbon to within touching distance of the Portuguese title – and his second in four seasons.

Portuguese reports suggested he had struck an agreement with Liverpool but those close to the club played this down and were eager to state he was just one name on a shortlist.

New Liverpool CEO Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes were said to be ready to go ‘brave over popular’ after fan-favourite Xabi Alonso ruled himself out of the running.