Hammers hope over Tomkins

Sam Allardyce is hopeful that defensive ace James Tomkins will sign a new contract at West Ham.

Allardyce keen to tie down youngster

Sam Allardyce is hopeful that defensive ace James Tomkins will sign a new contract at West Ham. The 22-year-old has two-and-a-half years left on his current deal, but West Ham are looking to extend this to ward off potential interest. Queens Park Rangers are reported to be one of a number of Premier League clubs checking on the Under-21 international. But Allardyce is keen to see Tomkins stay at Upton Park. "James is not one of those running short of a contract term. It still has about two-and-a-half years to run. "We've been negotiating with him and will continue that in January. I am optimistic. "We can ill afford to lose any players at this stage of the season."