Sam Allardyce will prioritise a new central defender in January with James Tomkins emerging as an option for the new West Bromwich Albion boss.
Allardyce wants to strengthen his squad when the transfer window re-opens in two weeks time and is understood to have already held discussions with the club's sporting director Luke Dowling over potential targets.
The newly-appointed Baggies boss has identified the heart of his defence as an area that needs strengthening as he plots a great escape.
And Crystal Palace centre half Tomkins is among the names under consideration at the Hawthorns.
The 31-year-old is fit again after recovering from a long-term thigh injury and was on the bench for Wednesday's draw at West Ham but is yet to make a competitive appearance for the club since February.
Allardyce worked with Tomkins, 31, during his spells in charge of Crystal Palace and West Ham and wants another reunion with the experienced centre back.
Tomkins' existing deal expires at the end of next season but Palace could be tempted into selling the defender to avoid the prospect of losing him for nothing.
