West Ham United are not interested in Eliaquim Mangala as they would rather prioritise a move for William Carvalho, Football.London reports.
Slaven Bilic believes that the priority is a central midfielder rather than a centre half at this stage.
Bilic wants another defensive midfielder to provide protection for the defenders and William Carvalho is his top target.
The Hammers have been strongly linked with the Sporting Lisbon midfielder, who is considered to be one of the best holding midfielders in Europe.
The Portugal international is keen on the move and West Ham are desperate to thrash this out so have put all other targets on hold as they seek a resolution to this.
Manchester City are willing to let Eliaquim Mangala leave with Jonny Evans lined up as a replacement.
West Ham currently have five centre backs on their books.
Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna are perceived as the first choice duo while Jose Fonte and James Collins are back-up choices.
Youngster Declan Rice – who can also play in midfield – is another option and Cheikhou Kouyate can also play there.
With Reece Burke also due to come back from his loan spell in January, Bilic does not believe he needs another centre half at this stage.
