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

In-demand manager Ruben Amorim has remained tight-lipped on his return to Portugal after a whirlwind trip to London following talks with West Ham to succeed David Moyes at the helm.

On Monday, the Sporting Lisbon manager traveled to the English capital to hold talks with the Hammers as they assess the club’s future beyond the end of the season.

And on his return to his country a few hours later, shortly after midnight on Tuesday, the 39-year-old man was greeted by a swarm of journalists who questioned him about his future.

Despite being bombarded with questions and having multiple cameras and photographers in front of him, Amorim scoffed at speculation about his next move.

“See you Saturday,” he simply told the media, referring to his next press conference ahead of Sporting Lisbon’s match against Porto, which will take place on Sunday evening.

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

West Ham spoke to Sporting Lisbon boss and Liverpool managerial 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 had traveled to London on a plane organized by the owners of West Ham, to meet with them about becoming the next manager of the London stadium.

He is understood to have left Portugal, accompanied by businessman Raul Costa, after Sporting training 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 £12.8 million and was top of Liverpool’s list, but is no longer the preferred candidate for the job at Anfield.

A decision on Moyes and his potential replacement will not take place until the end of the season. Besides Amorim, the Hammers spoke to Julen Lopetugui.

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 return to management.

Moyes is out of contract at the end of the season, but said in February that he had been offered a new deal and the decision whether to stay was in his hands.

Former Wolves and Real Madrid head coach Julen Lopetegui 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 closer to the Portuguese title – and their 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 eager to declare he was just one name on a shortlist.

New Liverpool CEO Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes are reportedly ready to prioritize “brave over popular” after fan favorite Xabi Alonso ruled himself out of the race.