Newcastle United can sign West Ham United defender James Tomkins for £6 million.

The Evening Chronicle says Tomkins is well aware Toon boss Alan Pardew is keen on signing the former England Under-21 and Great Britain defender and has spoken openly about the prospect to team-mates.

Tomkins' name was on the top of a wish-list handed to new director of football Joe Kinnear before he jetted off to Italy for a family break.