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Sunderland join three Premier League clubs for West Ham star: Slaven Bilic names his price
SUNDERLAND have set their sights on West Ham defender James Tomkins.
Sunderland want West Ham's James Tomkins
That is according to the Sunderland Echo, who claim the Black Cats failed to land the 27-year-old during the January window.
Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce worked with Tomkins at West Ham for four years before leaving last summer and is keen on a reunion at the Stadium of Light.
The north east club are in the market for a centre-half after releasing Wes Brown and with captain John O'Shea about to enter the final year of his contract.
But Sunderland will need to slash the cash to land the Hammers academy product after Slaven Bilic slapped a £12million price-tag on the versatile defender.
Slaven Bilic wants £12m for James Tomkins
Allardyce is likely to face competition for Tomkins' signature, with with Daily Mail claiming top-flight rivals Crystal Palace, Stoke and West Brom are also interested.
Tomkins, who made 25 Premier League appearances last season, only signed a new and improved five-year deal a year ago, but Bilic is said to be open to his sale.