West Ham hopeful of keeping Collison and Tomkins for Championship assault

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has held talks with promising duo Jack Collison and James Tomkins and is hopeful they will remain at Upton Park.

The pair are considered two of the club's brightest young talents and have both been linked with moves away from West Ham following their relegation from the Premier League.

But Collison could be in line for a new long-term deal, despite missing most of last season with a serious knee injury.

Tomkins, meanwhile, cemented his place in the first team last season and is set to be a major part of Allardyce's defence following the departure of club captain Matthew Upson.

The likes of Upson, Demba Ba and Thomas Hitzlsperger have all left since the end of the season and there could be further departures before August. But it is understood that Allardyce is now confident he should be able to build his new side around the two young stars.