Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has effectively ruled out a transfer for James Tomkins in January amid links to West Brom.
Rumours have been circling this week after Sam Allardyce was appointed as Baggies manager that the club could make a move for the 31-year-old.
Tomkins made more than 150 appearances under Allardyce's tenures at Palace and West Ham, and the manager is said to be keen on a reunion with the defender who is yet to play this season at Selhurst Park.
Tomkins has been out of action with a number of injury problems after previously playing a key role under Hodgson, but is now back fit and was among the substitutes for games against Spurs and West Ham.
Hodgson insists that the centre-back is still part of his plans despite falling down the pecking order, with the manager stating that he is looking forward to the defender's return to action.
"Absolutely," Hodgson told reporters when asked if Tomkins was still among his plans. "If I have my way I'll be keeping James Tomkins.
"He's done a fantastic job for us. We've missed him during this last period, largely due to the fact that he's had one or two quite serious injuries to contend with.
"But I'm happy that he's now no longer injured, and I'm certainly looking forward to seeing him in a Crystal Palace shirt in the coming weeks and months."
Tomkins is among a number of Palace players whose contracts expire at the end of the season, and at 31 he is one of the players who could be at risk with the club looking to bring down their average age.
Palace chairman Steve Parish recently admitted that the profile of their squad did need to be addressed, and last summer's two main transfers brought in Ebere Eze and Nathan Ferguson - two young players that emphasised where the club's priorities lie in the transfer market.
"It is no secret we have got work to do," Parish said.
"The average age doesn't win or lose you games but obviously there is a time limit on players in terms of physical ability to perform. We're acutely aware that we've got to make smart decisions.""
