Transfer news: Sunderland and Crystal Palace linked with West Ham defender
Sunderland have been linked with a potential move for West Ham defender James Tomkins.
The 27-year-old – who worked under Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce at Upton Park – has made close to 250 appearances for the Hammers, but he could find himself surplus to requirements as boss Slaven Bilic looks to resurrect his squad, after a seventh-place Premier League finish.
Crystal Palace are also reportedly interested in Basildon-born Tomkins.
Meanwhile, West Ham could rival Sunderland in the hunt for Swansea star Andre Ayew this summer. Allardyce has remained coy on his prospective transfer targets, but made strong moves to land Ayew in January, only for Swansea to hold on to their French forward.
Sunderland may look to go back in for Ayew this summer, but West Ham are also reported to be keen.
West Ham have had a £25million bid for Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson and Matt Ritchie rejected and are also said to be interested in Liverpool’s Christian Benteke.