However, it was then revealed that conversations had not progressed beyond the initial level, and the Sporting CP coach appeared to be out of the running.
The Portuguese has also been considered as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, which Minto believes is what prompted the West Ham negotiations.
On talkSPORT’s Premier League All Access podcast [26 April, 29m 27s], the speaker questioned whether Ruben Amorim’s decision to show Liverpool was a publicity gimmick.
“I thought it was bad taste that it was out there for David Moyes.” Unless Moyes has been told he would not be manager next season and the club has asked if it is okay, they can begin exploring for options for next season.
“I didn’t like that, I’ll be honest with you. Whether you like Moyes or not, he deserves respect – that was in poor taste. If that was a way for Amorim to get Liverpool on board, it didn’t work.”
If that was the case, it has now backfired severely because Arne Slot appears to be the leading candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp.
Amorim is largely unknown on these shores, but a short look at his CV reveals that he would be an excellent fit for London Stadium.
Given that the first discussions did not appear to go well, you have to ask what transpired at that meeting, if it actually took place.
With a £15 million buyout provision in his Sporting contract [Sky Sports News], West Ham were unlikely to pay that anyhow.
Minto makes an excellent point in that regard, but it is difficult to concur with the rest of his argument about United holding negotiations with managers.
Finally, with less than a month remaining in the season, Moyes is still without a contract. The Irons are being proactive, which cannot be a bad thing – as long as there are no more timewasters like Amorim.
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