Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim has broken his silence over his potential move to West Ham.

Amorim, 39, is one of the most in-demand managers in Europe after earning suitors thanks to his exciting Sporting side. And the Portuguese boss was linked with moves to both Liverpool and West Ham this summer, though talks with both appear to have broken down.

Speaking about his decision to fly to London for talks with the Hammers, Amorim said: "It was a mistake. The timing was completely wrong. I’m always asking my players to be respectful... and I wasn’t - even if I informed the club before.

"I’m so sorry and I apologise to fans, club and players." Amorim had jetted over to London last week to open talks with the Hammers about taking over from David Moyes.

Following Sporting's 3-0 victory over Vitoria last weekend, 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.

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.

Amorim has also seemingly missed out on the Liverpool job with Arne Slot set to be named as Jurgen Klopp's successor. According to Sky Sports, Slot agreed a deal to become Liverpool's next manager on Friday afternoon.

The Dutch manager has two years left on his contract and Liverpool have agreed to pay Feyenoord £7.7m, plus £1.7m in add-ons. The Dutchman had already confirmed his interest in the role when speaking to ESPN before Feyenoord's 3-1 league victory on Thursday against Go Ahead Eagles.

He said: "It seems clear to me that I would like to work there. All I can say about it is that the clubs are in negotiations. I’m in the waiting room."