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.