New West Brom boss Sam Allardyce considering reunion with Crystal Palace centre-back James Tomkins as he looks to bolster his defence in bid for survival
- New West Brom boss Sam Allardyce is already considering options in the market
- Allardyce has identified the heart of defence as an area that needs bolstering
- Crystal Palace defender James Tomkins is one of the names being considered
- Allardyce worked with Tomkins during his time at Palace and West Ham
Sam Allardyce will prioritise a new central defender in January with James Tomkins emerging as an option for the new West Bromwich Albion boss.
Allardyce wants to strengthen his squad when the transfer window re-opens in two weeks time and is understood to have already held discussions with the club’s sporting director Luke Dowling over potential targets.
The newly-appointed Baggies boss has identified the heart of his defence as an area that needs strengthening as he plots a great escape.
Crystal Palace defender James Tomkins (left) is being considered by Sam Allardyce
Allardyce wants to strengthen his new squad as he looks to steer them away from relegation
And Crystal Palace centre half Tomkins is among the names under consideration at the Hawthorns.
The 31-year-old is fit again after recovering from a long-term thigh injury and was on the bench for Wednesday’s draw at West Ham but is yet to make a competitive appearance for the club since February.
Allardyce worked with Tomkins, 31, during his spells in charge of Crystal Palace and West Ham and wants another reunion with the experienced centre back.
Tomkins’ existing deal expires at the end of next season but Palace could be tempted into selling the defender to avoid the prospect of losing him for nothing.
The new Baggies manager has already worked with Tomkins at Crystal Palace and West Ham