Sporting CP manager Rúben Amorim has apologised to the club and its fans for travelling to London to talk to West Ham.
Amorim flew out to London to hold talks with West Ham over a move to the Premier League in the summer.
He was also said to have been on the Liverpool wishlist prior to their appointment of Feyenoord boss Arne Slot for a deal around £9.4m.
Asked about his visit to London, the Portuguese told reporters, “It was a mistake. The timing was completely wrong.
“I’m always asking my players to be respectful… and I wasn’t — even if I informed the club before.
“I’m so sorry and I apologise to fans, club and players.”