West Ham have slapped a £12million asking price on former England under-21 international James Tomkins, as the race for his signatures heats up.
HITC Sport understands Premier League duo Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion have already made initial enquiries regarding the availability of Essex-born Tomkins, while Crystal Palace, Southampton and Sunderland are also credited with interest.
Tomkins is ready to call time on his 19-year West Ham career, having signed for the youth academy in 1997. The 27-year-old is thought to be unhappy with his squad role and wants a move away in search of guarantees over playing time.
Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce is hopeful of reuniting with Tomkins, though the Daily Mail suggest the asking price may deter the Black Cats from bidding.
Allardyce also remains keen on securing the services of Senegalese forward Diafra Sakho, who netted seven times in 24 appearances last campaign. The Hammers reportedly set a £15million price tag on Sakho and have already rejected two bids from Sunderland for the 26-year-old – worth £11million and £12million.
