West Ham United defender James Tomkins is on Sam Allardyce's radar at Sunderland.

The Sunday Mirror says strengthening Sunderland's leaky defence is a priority and centre-back Tomkins, 26, fits the bill, having played under Allardyce at Upton Park.

The Hammers would be reluctant to sell Tomkins, who signed a new five-year contract in February, but could be tempted by an offer of around £10million.

Sunderland's bitter rivals Newcastle – where Allardyce was boss for eight months before his sacking in January 2008 – are also keen on former England Under-21 international Tomkins.