Chelsea could appoint Ruben Amorim if Mauricio Pochettino sacked as West Ham United to miss out

West Ham look set to miss out on top managerial target Ruben Amorim despite their meeting, as Chelsea could swoop if Mauricio Pochettino is sacked, according to Alex Crook.

The talkSPORT journalist explained that he believes Amorim only met with the Hammers to put pressure on Liverpool and is now expected to remain at Sporting unless Chelsea come calling.

This comes after reports had claimed the Hammers are still interested in securing his signature despite sending an apology to Sporting CP fans.

Speaking live on talkSPORT [30 April, 11:27], Crook explained: “I think he’s gone back with his tail between his legs either because he’s met West Ham and realised he doesn’t want to go to that football club, or because he was using them to try and coax Liverpool to revive their interest.

“My suspicion is that was the case and he’s now realised that the Liverpool job is not going to be his either. He’ll probably stay at Sporting now unless Chelsea decide to part company with Mauricio Pochettino and they come calling.”

Ruben Amorim appointment now off at West Ham

Several conflicting reports have emerged surrounding the future of the Portuguese boss, although it does appear that a move to the London Stadium is now off the table as he will either remain at Sporting or go to a bigger club.

This is after a meeting at David Sullivan’s house in which the two are said to have disagreed on several key factors, leading Amorim to swiftly make his way back to Lisbon where he apologised for making the trip.

It has been said that the issues separating Amorim and West Ham appear to rest with the club’s project – which Amorim reportedly did not buy into – and Sullivan’s perception of the boss, both his experience in the game and the fanfare surrounding him.

West Ham manager David Moyes
David Moyes will manage West Ham United for the final time against Manchester City on May 19.

In the meantime, West Ham have sounded out the possibility of hiring Julen Lopetegui to replace David Moyes despite indications that the Spaniard would prefer to manage AC Milan after recent contact with the club.

In other West Ham news, Troy Deeney has slammed the club live on talkSPORT.

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