It has emerged that Sunderland could make a possible January move for West Ham United defenders James Tomkins and James Collins.

Lack of resources

The January transfer window seems to have come at the perfect time for Sam Allardyce as he is lacking in central defenders.

Allardyce currently has three at his disposal in John O’Shea, Younes Kaboul and Sebastian Coates, with Wes Brown currently struggling with a knee problem and limited to a squad role anyway.

This has prompted rumours that he could be about raid his old club for Tomkins, who is rated at around £10 million, and Collins, whose contract expires in the summer and so could be brought in at a knockdown fee.

Speaking to the Sunday People, Allardyce spoke about the defensive crisis, saying that Brown is not “fit” and the Black Cats haven’t got “another centre-back”.

He spoke of the seriousness of the situation, saying that if they did have a “problem in that area” they would have to resort back to a “back-four” as opposed to the three that has helped them enjoy a good spell of form, with back-to-back wins over Crystal Palace and Stoke City.

Townsend linked

Collins and Tomkins aren’t the only London-based players that have been linked with a move to the North-East as Andros Townsend was also linked with a move to the Stadium of Light.

Andros Townsend, out-of-favour at Spurs, is another reported target for Sunderland. (Photo: Mirror)
Andros Townsend, out-of-favour at Spurs, is another reported target for Sunderland. (Photo: Mirror)

The winger has fallen out-of-favour at White Hart Lane after a bust-up with Tottenham Hotspur's fitness coach, Nathan Gardener.

As a result, it is reported that the club have reduced their asking price for the England international to £7.5 million, which has not only perked up the interest of Allardyce, but bitter rivals Newcastle United.

Allardyce’s loan approach

Allardyce spoke at the beginning of the week about his plans for the upcoming transfer window and it seems to be that he will delving into the loan market with the option to buy.

Allardyce told the Sunderland Echo that he and the club will be “looking at loans” as that gives the club the chance to “have a look" at those they are bringing in, instead of being stuck with them after purchasing.