Notts County have joined an ongoing chase for a current National League defender, as preparations ahead of their League One return continue.
The Magpies have been busy in the transfer window so far, landing the likes of Jack Evans (Harrogate Town), Cal Roberts (Scunthorpe United) and Darius Lipsiuc (Stoke City) as they begin life in the third tier once again.
However, they haven’t been short of departures themselves – leaving the club with work to do ahead of the final few weeks of the summer transfer window.
Notts County join chase for National League defender
Across social media, there is ongoing speculation that Notts County’s Wembley hero Jodi Jones may be set to leave the club on a permanent contract.
If that did occur, Notts County would likely go back into the market for another wing-back option and one player that could be of interest is Southend United’s Harry Boyes.
Boyes is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Roots Hall and has already reportedly handed in a transfer request after a failed bid from League Two side York City.
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Notts County have officially joined the race to sign Boyes this summer, but as mentioned – they aren’t alone in their pursuit.
The 24-year-old made 45 league appearances for Southend United last season in what was his debut campaign after arriving from Championship side Sheffield United, and managed to contribute to ten goals
Boyes has had several EFL loan spells throughout the early stages of his career with the likes of Fleetwood Town, Wycombe Wanderers and Forest Green Rovers.
Would this be a good move for Notts County?
Unlike a lot of players that make the step up from the National League, Boyes already has proven success in both the third and fourth tiers – likely being able to adjust quicker than a usual non-League player.
Boyes is a natural wing-back who can operate in both a back four or back three/five, suggesting he would likely be able to slot immediately into their defensive line going into the League One campaign.
With Mai Traore released as well as the departure of Alassana Jatta for an undisclosed fee – Notts County likely have the funds to be able to pull this transfer off, though York City will likely provide tough competition if they are still keen on signing him.
However, this transfer is likely to cost a significant sum of money – which adds further risk elements onto the move.
Similarly, despite his prior experience in League One, there are no guarantees that Boyes would be able to replicate his Southend form immediately – which could leave Notts County at a disadvantage early doors.
Ultimately, if reports that Boyes wants to leave are true – the league advantage over York could see Notts County stand a better chance of signing the 24-year-old but it’s a risky move to make.
