New West Bromwich Albion manager Sam Allardyce has prioritised bolstering the side's defensive options and has identified Crystal Palace centre-back James Tomkins, 31, as a potential signing.

Everton boss Sam Allardyce wants to make Crystal Palace centre-back James Tomkins, 28, his first signing in a potential £20m deal

Crystal Palace have agreed a £12.5m fee with West Ham for defender James Tomkins, 27

Allardyce is planning a return to one of his former clubs to sign West Ham centre-back James Tomkins, 26

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has given director of football Joe Kinnear the names of Aston Villa striker Darren Bent, 29, and West Ham defender James Tomkins, 24, as the club look to strengthen before the start of the season.