Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce could be set to raid his former club this January, with defender James Tomkins high on the wanted list according to The Evening Chronicle.
The Hammers have reportedly put a £10m price tag on the Englishman, however, and that may well turn out to be a sticking point for the Black Cats.
Big Sam also holds interest in James Collins as he looks to shore up the Wearside’s poor defence.
Tomkins has impressed this season for West Ham, being used regularly by incoming manager Slaven Bilic.
He was one of only a few leaders during a disappointing, short-but-sweet Europa League campaign, and since has been utilised both centrally and on the right under his new Croatian manager.
Collins, on the other hand, has only made four league appearances this year. He’d likely be available at a much lower price than his teammate Tomkins.
Reports suggest Allardyce may have his hands tied in terms of transfer fees, though, with loan deals or free transfers being more attractive to a club with a serious threat of relegation hanging over it.
