West Ham United have turned down a reported £2.5m bid from Newcastle United for defender James Tomkins.

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is keen to keep hold of the 22-year-old, with the Championship club willing to offer a new deal to Tomkins.

While the centre-back is believed to be in negotiations with West Ham, it is believed that Tomkins is tempted with a switch to the Premier League, according to the Daily Star.

"We've been negotiating with him and will continue that in January," Allardyce is quoted as saying. "I am optimistic. We can ill-afford to lose any players at this stage of the season."

Magpies boss Alan Pardew is thought to be eager to find a replacement for defender Steve Taylor, who will be sidelined for the rest of the season through injury.