West Ham United manager David Moyes will prioritise signing one of Alfie Mawson or Lewis Dunk ahead of next season, according to a report.
The Scotsman is expected to stay on at the London Stadium if he completes his mission of keeping the Hammers in the Premier League.
Only when that is done will Moyes submit his finalised transfer plans to the club's owners, and the Daily Star suggests that that a new centre-back will be at the top of the list.
Swansea City defender Mawson, previously linked with United in January, has impressed this season and has been rewarded with recognition at international level with England.
Dunk has performed well for Brighton & Hove Albion, meanwhile, and is seen as a cheaper alternative to £40m-rated Mawson.
Only Stoke City have conceded more top-flight goals than West Ham's 63 this season.
