Liverpool and West Ham United are reportedly prepared to miss out on the capture of Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim.
Both the Reds and the Hammers have been heavily linked with a move for the 39-year-old, who is close to guiding his side to the Primeira Liga title this season.
Following a four-match winning run since the beginning of April, Amorim's troops are now seven points ahead of second-placed Benfica with only four league matches remaining.
Sporting also have the chance to secure a domestic double this term, with a Taca de Portugal final versus rivals Porto set to round off the campaign on May 26.
Since taking the reins in Lisbon at the beginning of 2021, Amorim has posted an impressive record of 125 wins from 178 competitive matches in charge, losing on just 27 occasions.
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Liverpool, West Ham dealt blow in Amorim pursuit?
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim will not be taking charge of either Liverpool or West Ham over the summer.
The 39-year-old travelled to England on Monday morning for in-person talks with the Hammers, who are looking for alternatives to current manager David Moyes.
The report claims that discussions between Amorim and West Ham did not go smoothly, with the former Benfica player unlikely to make a switch to the London Stadium.
Liverpool supposedly viewed the Portuguese coach as their first choice to replace Jurgen Klopp, however the Reds' interest in the Sporting man has cooled off significantly.
German coach Klopp announced earlier in 2024 that his nine-year spell in charge at Anfield would be coming to an emotional end at the conclusion of this season.
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Back to the drawing board for Liverpool
The calendar year is yet to reach May and there have already been more twists and turns in the hunt for Klopp's successor to fill out an entire 12 months.
Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso was hailed as the heir to Klopp's throne at Anfield, however the ex-Real Madrid midfielder has since committed next season to the Bundesliga champions.
Attentions then turned to Sporting boss Amorim, however following developments over the past week, it is believed that he will not be rocking up in the Premier League this summer.
Therefore, Liverpool have been forced to turn their attentions elsewhere, with Feyenoord's Arne Slot emerging as a leading candidate for the role.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Roberto De Zebri has also been linked to manager's job at Anfield, however the Italian is not understood to be a top choice.