SUNDERLAND have reportedly rejected a £5m bid from West Ham for Connor Wickham.

The Hammers are in the market for another striker, despite the arrival of World Cup star Enner Valencia for £12m after Andy Carroll was ruled out for four months with an ankle injury.

Several clubs have shown an interest in Wickham, who is yet to sign a new deal at the Stadium of Light, despite holding talks with the club earlier in the summer.

The 21-year-old, who has 12 months remaining on his current deal, enjoyed a fantastic end to last season with his goals helping to keep the Black Cats in the Premier League, but while it is understood Sunderland do not want to lose Wickham, last week Gus Poyet admitted the striker will be sold if his contract situation is not resolved.