Slaven Bilic has distanced himself from the vacant manager's job at West Ham United, insisting he intends to see out his contract as manager of Croatia.

Bilic, who led the team to Euro 2008, is understood to be among a number of potential candidates to succeed Alan Curbishley who resigned on Wednesday. However, the former West Ham defender says he intends to lead his country through to the end of qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

"I always said West Ham will be my choice when I return to England," Bilic said. "However, my contract with the Croatian FA expires in 2010 and I am intending to lead Croatia in this period."

Several names have been linked with the post including Gerard Houllier, Gianfranco Zola, Roberto Donadoni and Roberto Mancini. "I have asked for a comprehensive list, in terms of nationality, experience and qualifications," Asgeir Fridgeirsson, the West Ham vice-chairman, said. "The parameters go along with what we are trying to achieve at the club. The key element is that we want this to be a sustainable club.

"It is totally inaccurate to say we have anyone lined up for the job already - we want a strong English club with English players, with its roots in the academy."

Paolo di Canio is among a number of former players to have expressed an interest in the West Ham job. Phil Spencer, the Italian's agent, said: "We have made moves to talk to West Ham and advised them that [Di Canio] wants to be considered. He wouldn't be putting himself up for the job if he didn't think he was capable of doing it.

"He just wants the opportunity to sit in front of the decision-makers at West Ham to tell them what he would do and how he would take them forward."