SCOTT Lycett’s possible departure has led to West Coast strongly considering a swoop on Western Bulldogs ruckman Tim English.

The South Fremantle product is locked in until the end of 2020 and the Bulldogs believe he will see out that contract, but foxfooty.com.au understands the Eagles view him as obtainable for the right deal and will up the ante if Lycett leaves.

Sources in the west conceded English would be open to a move home eventually, but the Dogs privately refute this will occur in the foreseeable future and maintain he is happy at Whitten Oval.

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Finals Week 1

They rate English highly and have been in constant dialogue with him throughout an injury-interrupted season.

What is clear is how wide-ranging the Eagles search — which now includes a likely bold play for English — is to find a ruckman for 2019. It will ramp up further if Lycett leaves to either Port Adelaide or St Kilda as a restricted free agent, as has been mooted.

The fact the highly rated English is on their radar is testament to their ambitious approach, although there has been no trade discussions between the two clubs regarding the 205cm big man.

Tim English’s athleticism belies his big frame. Photo: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

English, who turned 21 last Friday, was considered the steal of the draft in 2016 when the Dogs called out his name with the 19th selection. Industry insiders believe he has the potential to be a dominant AFL ruckman due to his mobility around the ground.

Foxfooty.com.au understands English is a strong chance to be recalled to the senior side this weekend after two dominant performances at VFL level in the past fortnight.

English, who missed two months this year due to a foot injury, has enjoyed two huge games for Footscray in the last three weeks.

He notched 51 hit outs among 21 disposals and 128 ranking points against Williamstown before collecting a further 49 hit outs and 15 touches against North Melbourne on the weekend.

English has played nine career games but is seen as a long-term prospect, hence why the Dogs extended his contract until the end of 2020 last April.

Mystery still surrounds several other Bulldogs players. Luke Dahlhaus remains out of contract is no certainty to be at the club next year, while Tom Liberatore, Mitch Wallis and Jordan Roughead are also yet to sign on. The Saints are reportedly keen on Roughead.

As reported on Fox Footy’s On The Couch, Wallis has been offered a long-term deal by Brisbane and a less appealing proposal from Essendon, but the Dogs remain confident he will sign on the dotted line in the near future.

The club has a contract on the table for Wallis, who has fought his way back into the senior side this year after a mid-season malaise.

West Coast hosts Melbourne on Sunday, while the Western Bulldogs face Carlton at Etihad Stadium earlier in the afternoon.