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 David Moyes’ succession at the helm.

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

And when he returned to his home country 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 told the media, referring to his next press conference in which he previewed Sporting Lisbon’s match with Porto, which takes place on Sunday evening.

The 39-year-old was previously pictured boarding a plane to London to meet West Ham’s owners

West Ham held talks with Sporting Lisbon boss and Liverpool management target on Monday

David Moyes is out of contract this summer and no decision has yet been made on his future

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

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

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

Amorim could be available to English clubs for £12.8 million 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 is over. In addition to Amorim, the Hammers have also 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 contract and that the decision whether to stay was in his hands.

Amorim was the favorite to replace Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool at the end of the season

Amorim is on the verge of leading Sporting Lisbon to a second Portuguese title in four years

Ex-Wolves and Real Madrid head coach Julen Lopetegui is also being considered by West Ham

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

Portuguese reports suggested he had agreed a deal with Liverpool, but those close to the club played this down and were keen to say he was just one name on the shortlist.

Liverpool’s new CEO Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes are said to be ready to go ‘brave over popular’ after fan favorite Xabi Alonso ruled himself out of the race.