Everton will be busy this summer – and a new centre-back will likely be on the cards.
It was a quiet January for the Toffees, with only Tyrique George coming in on loan from Chelsea.
But it was perhaps always going to be that way, with the club reportedly feeling there is better value to be had in the summer.
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Everton manager David Moyes on Europe.
A new right-back, left-back and striker will all be priority positions in the next window.
But Everton also need to prepare for the possibility that Michael Keane will leave the club, with his contract expiring.
James Tarkowski is also not getting any younger and may need phasing out before much longer.
Everton were linked with a move for Marcos Senesi earlier today – but there is apparently another centre-back on the club’s radar.
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Everton eyeing Union Saint-Gilloise defender Ross Sykes
Ross Sykes ready to take a throw-in for Union Saint-Gilloise.
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
It has been claimed by TEAMtalk that Everton are tracking Union Saint-Gilloise defender Ross Sykes.
His performances in the Belgian side’s backline this season have attracted attention, and now there are a number of teams looking at him ahead of the summer.
Everton are monitoring, as are Leeds United.
He’s also been watched by Burnley, his hometown club, as well as Crystal Palace and Coventry City.
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Everton's Tyrique George on the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
A number of these clubs, Everton included, have sent scouts to watch him in games over in Belgium this season.
Sykes – who featured in six of Union SG’s eight Champions League games this season before they were knocked out – has a contract until 2027, but the club do hold an option to extend his deal.
But it’s stated Union SG are bracing for approaches from English clubs this summer, and they may well look to cash in.
David Moyes eyeing more height for Everton
Everton are quite a tall team – and signing Sykes this summer would be in keeping with that.
The 26-year-old stands at an intimidating 6ft 5in tall, making him the same height as Jarrad Brathwaite and just an inch shorter than the tallest player on Everton’s books, Jake O’Brien.
We know that Moyes likes physical players so it is perhaps no surprise to see that Everton are one of several clubs tracking Sykes.
But the big man can also play, having recorded a pass completion rate of 80% in the league this season (WhoScored).
Ross Sykes playing for Union Saint-Gilloise.
Photo by TOM GOYVAERTS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
And Sykes, who can also play at left-back, also happens to be a decent goal threat.
Across his spells with Union SG, Accrington Stanley and Southport, he’s scored a combined 22 goals and made 10 assists in 152 appearances.
Everton would potentially be losing a goal threat in Keane this summer, so it could be a smart move to go after a player like Sykes.
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