Ruben Amorim ‘verbal agreement’ on the cards at Sporting after West Ham United talks
West Ham United are ramping up the search for a successor to David Moyes, as news emerges of a potential “verbal agreement” between Ruben Amorim and current club Sporting CP, according to The Times.
The newspaper reports that the Portuguese outfit would be said to command up to £17million in compensation for Amorim, who has held the reins in Lisbon for over four years, winning four major honours.
It is said that Amorim may have a “verbal agreement” with his club whereby the compensation fee would be halved should a “big club” approach – Liverpool were recently linked, but are said to have ended their interest in the 39-year-old.
With David Moyes out of contract at the London Stadium this summer, West Ham are thought to be seeking a new direction as technical director Tim Steidten is on the hunt for the best candidate to replace the Scotsman. Former Spain, Real Madrid and Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui is thought to currently be in pole position.
Could Ruben Amorim be set for England?
Still south of 40, Amorim certainly has a huge future in management, and has become a stalwart figure at Sporting having represented rivals Benfica during his playing days.
The Portuguese was interviewed by Liverpool to be Jurgen Klopp’s successor, but the Reds are said to have declined to pursue him further due to his heavy commitment to a 3-4-3 system.
For a West Ham side expected to oversee a high turnover of player incomings and outgoings over the summer, the blank canvas could present an ideal opportunity for Amorim to come in and impose a marker, doing things the way he sees fit.
The compensation fee is without doubt a stumbling block, and may be what keeps Amorim in Lisbon until a full-throttle approach arrives from a European giant. Whether this agreement constitutes the UEFA Conference League holders as a ‘big club’ in the same bracket as Liverpool is unknown.
Hammers legend Mark Noble says he would prefer a different manager to bookies’ favourite Lopetegui, and this certainly won’t be the last we hear of Amorim’s links to East London.
In other West Ham news, reports discuss Jota Silva’s potential move to the club.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.