West Ham's reason for not appointing Ruben Amorim has emerged after Manchester United agreed a deal with Sporting CP to hire him as their replacement for Erik ten Hag.
Days after sacking Ten Hag, it has been widely reported that United have struck a full agreement with their top managerial target. The Red Devils will activate his £8.3 million release clause but Amorim is expected to remain at Sporting for three more games before officially taking the United job in the November international break.
With Ruud van Nistelrooy continuing as interim boss, Amorim's first game is set to be the trip to Ipswich Town on November 24.
But the 39-year-old has already courted interest from English clubs in the past, with both Liverpool and West Ham strongly linked.
West Ham held discussions with Amorim in England back in April when David Moyes was at the helm. He flew for talks which are said to have gone well, however the Daily Mail have shed light on why a deal didn't materialise.
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The Hammers weren't too keen on the £8.3 million compensation fee Sporting commanded, while there would have been additional payments required for his backroom staff.
But another concern was the fact he had only ever managed one top club in the country where he is from, with West Ham worried it might be a risk.
They ultimately went with Julen Lopetegui, who managed Porto, Spain, Real Madrid and Sevilla before a brief spell at Wolves.
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Amorim later apologised to his club, acknowledging the timing of the talks were "completely wrong'".
The former Benfica player is set to manage Sporting in upcoming games against Estrela Amadora, Manchester City and Braga before taking the reins at Old Trafford.
His trusted coaches Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido and Jorge Vital are expected to join him, as well as Emanuel Ferro and sports scientist Paulo Barreira.
Topics: West Ham United, Ruben Amorim, Manchester United
Josh Lawless