Bilic committed to Croatia

But Di Canio would welcome West Ham chance

Last updated: 4th September 2008

Bilic committed to Croatia

Bilic and Di Canio: Former Hammers

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Slaven Bilic has ruled himself out of the running for the West Ham vacancy, but Paolo Di Canio admits it would be his 'dream'.

The Upton Park club are searching for a new manager following Alan Curbishley's decision to resign on Tuesday after 21 months in charge.

Former Hammers defender Bilic, who has seen his stock rise after his displays at the helm of Croatia, has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League for some time.

But he maintains that he is fully focused on guiding his country to the World Cup finals in South Africa, having once again been pitted against England at the qualification stage.

Contract

Bilic said: "I am always being asked about the West Ham job but there is nothing I can say.

"I have a contract with Croatia until the World Cup ends in 2010."

But Di Canio, who became a fans' favourite during his stint as a striker in East London, would reportedly welcome the chance to replace Curbishley.

The eccentric Italian is quoted by The Sun as saying: "I am waiting for a job in England because my dream is to come back and I think there are a lot of good things I can bring.

"I took the coaching badges in the summer and I would like to have a job.

"My dream team is West Ham. I keep the club in my heart. One day I hope to come back to London and sit on the bench at West Ham."

No contact

One other name which has been thrown into the frame is former Cagliari coach Davide Ballardini, how has close ties to the Hammers technical director Gianluca Nani.

But Ballardini claims he is currently in the dark and has heard nothing from the Premier League club.

He told the Daily Mirror: "I do not know about the situation at West Ham.

"There has been no contact."