are believed to be lining up the signing of Everton’s Sylvain Distin with James Tomkins looking set on a move to the North East, reports TalkSport.

Distin’s propsed move to the Hammers this January could pave the way for Tomkins’ exit, with Newcastle keen on taking the 23-year-old to St James’ Park.

Distin - who is out of contract in the summer - could be seen as a defensive upgrade to the personnel currently deployed in central defence at Upton Park. Meanwhile, the Frenchman’s arrival would greatly inhibit Tomkins’ future career at West Ham.

Although Tomkins played a significant role in West Ham’s promotion to the Premier League last season, manager Sam Allardyce has preferred the likes of James Collins and Winston Reid at centre-back.

It is believed that the young defender has grown increasingly frustrated with his regression at Upton Park and is looking elsewhere for first-team opportunities.

The Magpies’ interest in the player last year has fuelled speculation of a potential move. If Distin does sign for West Ham, Alan Pardew looks set to reignite his former interest in the player to shore-up his defensive options for the second-half of the season.

Tomkins has only started 11 league games in the 2012/13 season, with Allardyce deploying him at right-back and central midfield instead of his preferred position in the heart of defence.

The player currently has three years left to run on his four-year contract.

[cat_link cat="west-ham" type="grid"]