Everton eyeing up James Tarkowski-style addition as David Moyes plans defensive reset

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Everton appear to be starting early on summer plans to address their back line, with Ross Sykes reportedly under consideration.

The club saw several contracts run out last year, leading to multiple departures from the squad.

This time around, there are more players facing similar situations, and Michael Keane’s status is among those up in the air.

Sykes is currently with Union SG in Belgium, a side involved in the Champions League, and Everton have been tracking his progress there.

Everton already have a number of reliable defensive options, but Sykes could bring some longer-term stability to the centre-back role.

Ross Sykes could be Everton’s next James Tarkowski

The 26-year-old centre-back is not just another name from the European circuit. The Burnley-born defender seems to fit the profile of what David Moyes often looks for in a player.

At 6ft 5in, Sykes brings a presence in the air that would be familiar to fans used to seeing Tarkowski handle that role over the years.

Like the 33-year-old English, Sykes also spent his early career in Lancashire and Greater Manchester before moving on to new challenges.

Everton legend Alan Stubbs recently called for Moyes to drop Tarkowski from the starting line-up.

With Keane’s deal nearing its end and Tarkowski potentially past his peak, Everton might be ready for a fresh look at centre-back. Sykes could be part of that transition.

Everton not alone in Ross Sykes chase

Leeds United and Burnley are both keeping an eye on Sykes as well, so Everton will have to move quickly if they want to get ahead of the competition.

One potential hurdle for Everton is how much playing time they could realistically offer him at this stage of his career.

Tarkowski signed a contract extension as recently as October, which complicates things further. Even though he is seen as a long-term replacement, there may not be an opening right away.

Ally McCoist has praised Tarkowski for being underrated, and even if Sykes arrives, he would also have to compete with Jarrad Branthwaite and Jake O’Brien for minutes.

The 26-year-old centre-back has plenty to consider before making any decision this summer, given the situation at Everton is not quite straightforward.