Ruben Amorim has apologised to Sporting CP supporters for holding talks with West Ham United and labelled his decision to do so as "completely wrong" - just days after he was snubbed for the Liverpool job.

Amorim, the favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp earlier this month, headed to London this week to talk with the Hammers about the prospect of replacing David Moyes, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

However, the 39-year-old has now apologised to Sporting supporters for engaging in talks with West Ham and admitted it was "a mistake" - even if he did inform club chiefs.

In his press conference before Sunday's game against FC Porto, 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, who has Sporting on the brink of a second league title in four seasons, now looks set to stay in Lisbon after Liverpool moved a step closer to appointing Klopp's successor as they agreed a compensation package with Feyenoord for Arne Slot on Friday night.

The 45-year-old Dutchman, courted by Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, has made no secret of his desire to take over the reins at Anfield next season.

“The clubs have to do their job and then I am waiting, and as the ‘main character’ I have to respect that," said Slot earlier this week. "It will undoubtedly become clear in the coming days. It’s no secret that I want to go to Liverpool.”