According to reports in The Mirror, West Ham United may turn their attentions to FC Porto midfielder Danilo – who is rated at £18m according to Transfermarkt – after a £31m move for Sporting Lisbon star William Carvalho stalled.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Mirror says that the Irons had been in pole position to sign the Portugal international from Sporting, but after holding advanced talks the deal has hit a stumbling block after the Portuguese club upped their demands.

The Mirror says that Hammers boss Slaven Bilic still wants to bring the 25-year-old – who is keen on a move to the Premier League – to the London Stadium, but they may be forced to look elsewhere for a new defensive midfielder if Sporting continue to demand in excess of €40m (approximately £36.3m).

The report adds that they could now look at Danilo, who has previously been watched by Arsenal scouts and was in the same Portugal team that won Euro 2016 as Carvalho, as well as Benfica’s Ljubomir Fejsa, who has won 10 straight league titles with the Eagles, Olympiacos and FK Partizan.

Would Danilo be a good alternative?

Britain Soccer Football - Leicester City v FC Porto - UEFA Champions League Group Stage - Group G - King Power Stadium, Leicester, England - 27/9/16 Leicester City's Marc Albrighton in action with FC Porto's Danilo Pereira Action Images via Reuters / Carl Recine Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

He certainly would be.

The 6"2" 25-year-old is a regular in the Porto midfield and made 41 appearances in all competitions for them last season, scoring four goals and providing one assist.

The highly-rated defensive midfielder has also played the full 90 minutes in both of the Portuguese giants’ opening two Liga NOS fixtures this term.

Danilo showed his defensive capabilities by making 63 interceptions and 40 clearances in 28 top flight appearances throughout the previous campaign, while he also showed his strength in the air by winning 96 headed duels.

What happens next?

Having seemingly made a lot of progress in a deal for Carvalho West Ham are likely to give that one last attempt before turning their attentions to Danilo or Fejsa, but the former in particular could prove to be an inspired buy if he can purchased for smaller fee than the Sporting Lisbon star.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, while signing Carvalho would be seen as a huge coup for the Irons, it would be a similar situation if they were to get Danilo and if they are guaranteed to get either, then it would be a no-lose situation for the east London outfit.

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