Ruben Amorim, the highly sought-after Sporting Lisbon manager, has remained tight-lipped about his recent trip to London.
On Monday, the 39-year-old flew to the English capital sparking speculation of talks with West Ham regarding their vacant managerial position at the end of the season. The Irons are currently without a manager following David Moyes’ departure.
However, Amorim has also been heavily linked with the Liverpool job, with reports suggesting he is the frontrunner to replace Jurgen Klopp.
Following Sporting’s 3-0 victory over Vitoria on Sunday, Amorim took the opportunity to travel to London during his team’s two-day break. His visit lasted six hours, during which time he also passed through Liverpool’s office, reports the Mirror.
Upon his return to Lisbon, Amorim was met by reporters eager for details of his trip. He declined to answer any questions, simply stating “See you Saturday” in reference to his upcoming press conference ahead of Sporting’s match against Porto.
Sporting Lisbon’s Amorim seemed to engage in a lively conversation after a match, amidst fan support showcased through a banner stating, “We will walk together Amorim.”
The ex-Portugal international, whose £12.8million buyout clause is well-known, told O Jogo, “Nothing has changed. I’ll be here next week.”
With commitment shining through his post-match statement, Amorim said: “The main objective is to become champion as quickly as possible. We have to respond to this incredible environment. We have a very difficult game at the Dragao (Porto’s stadium) against a team and coach with an always strong identity.”
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West Ham are attempting to outmanoeuvre Liverpool despite having only one win from their previous eight matches under Moyes, manager since December 2019. The East London team plans to outline the Scots future after the season ends, given that his contract is due to expire in June.
Simultaneously, Liverpool are going over several options, but Brighton’s boss Roberto De Zerbi appears to be currently topping the list. Jamie Carragher, the Reds’ legend, hints at a probable reason behind this – the club’s recent appointment of Richard Hughes as sporting director.
Carragher stated on Twitter: “Richard Hughes wanted De Zerbi at Bournemouth, so he must be the favourite if this is true,” alongside an update about Amorim.
