Southend United could be set to enter an intriguing transfer scenario with National League champions York City as the new season creeps ever closer.
The Shrimpers have undergone a summer of change both on and off the pitch, with almost an entirely new starting eleven and a brand new management team – led by former West Ham United and England midfielder Kieron Dyer.
Last season saw the club have two of the standout full-backs in the division in Harry Boyes and Gus Scott-Morriss, with the latter already departing for Oldham Athletic – but the former is also likely to depart.
Southend target title-winning duo
As mentioned, Southend full-back Harry Boyes is likely to depart the club this summer, after he handed in a transfer request following a rejected bid from League Two side York City.
However, one situation that could work out for all parties is if Southend found a ready-made replacement for Boyes, and it appears that York could play an additional part in that.
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Southend United are interested in signing York City duo Ben Brookes and Alex Newby.
The Shrimpers could lose Boyes this summer, which makes it fitting that the club are targeting another left-back to fulfil the position.
Brookes joined York from Maidstone United and played a key role at left-back for the club last season, though his minutes were negatively impacted by the form of experienced defender Mark Kitching.
He contributed to nine goals across 35 appearances in the National League alone last season.
Meanwhile, Newby is a natural winger but did operate as a wing-back several times for Stuart Maynard’s side last season.
The 30-year-old contributed to 15 goals in 40 league appearances, but only featured in two of their final five league games.
Would this be a good deal for all parties?
York City have already raided the National League this summer, signing Boston United star Frankie Maguire and are known to have had a bid rejected for Boyes already.
Boyes already has plenty of EFL experience to his name, having undergone successful loan spells with Fleetwood Town, Wycombe Wanderers and Forest Green Rovers – meaning he is more likely to make an immediate impact in League Two as opposed to Brookes & Newby.
However, both Brookes & Newby are title-winners and had near-identical or better seasons than Boyes, though they did operate in a side that scored over 100 league goals.
Boyes’ EFL experience is likely to increase his price – but in turn he is entering the final 12 months of his contract, leaving Southend with a decision to make.
Given the number of players that have left Southend this summer and the fact both players had very good seasons, it is unlikely that both Brookes & Newby would be included in a singular deal for Boyes.
What’s more likely is Brookes (as a natural full-back) being included, whilst Newby would be a separate deal – given he’s naturally a forward.
That would mean that York would need to be willing to let one go this summer, and given how key both players were to them last season, it could make the deal even more complex for all parties.
