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Newcastle United have been quoted a £6million asking fee for West Ham defender James Tomkins – a figure that could well spell the end of Alan Pardew’s interest in the 24-year-old Londoner.

East end sources say that the Hammers aren’t going to budge on what many see as an expensive price tag for a player who suffered with shin problems last season and last appeared for West Ham in the middle of April.

The Chronicle understands that Tomkins is well aware Pardew is keen on signing the former England Under-21 and Great Britain defender and has spoken openly about the prospect to team-mates.

United owner Mike Ashley is still thought to be keen on ploughing the majority of summer spending into the acquisition of a centre-forward.

However, Tomkins’ name was on the top of a wish-list handed to new director of football Joe Kinnear before he jetted off to Italy for a family break.

That break was also organised before he was appointed as football chief on Tyneside.

Ashley has came under an incredible amount of flak from

supporters in recent weeks. However, he is listening to those closest to him and leaving decisions on transfers to Kinnear and his backroom team.

The Toon tycoon sanctioned a move for Brazilian-born defender Douglas last month and this was supposed to be the chance for Kinnear

Yet given that the fee for Douglas’ transfer package to Newcastle, which would have included agent fees and a signing-on fee, was nominal compared to the overall deal it would take to sign Tomkins, it is understood that United will now be looking for a younger player akin to the signing of Massaido Haidara rather than bring in a more senior defender.

Kinnear, who stated clearly on his appointment that he has the “final say” on transfers, knows that a priority remains a new striker.

Number 9 Papiss Cisse is still United’s only real threat in front of goal at the moment.

Darren Bent continues to be punted the way of Newcastle, and while Pardew is a big fan of the England international, Aston Villa will have to take a huge hit in terms of transfer fee to get the £70,000-per-week striker off their books.

The Magpies do hold a lot of hope in England youth international Adam Campbell, but they want a season of steady progress from the Geordie and will not pressurise him into too much responsibility after a positive maiden term last year.

Yoan Gouffran still offers cover for United but is not considered an out-and-out goalscorer by the backroom staff, while Shola Ameobi’s future remains uncertain.

Indeed, part of Kinnear’s remit is to move on fringe players this summer. And with Ameobi out of contract at the end of the season they will listen to cash offers for the long-serving Toon striker, just like Newcastle did with Wigan-bound James Perch.

Mike Williamson, Mehdi Abeid and Romain Amalfitano are also up for grabs.