Former Lincoln City loanee Harry Boyes is now reportedly attracting interest from Notts County as the battle for his signature intensifies.
The 24-year-old left wing-back had previously emerged as a target for York City, who are understood to have already made an approach to Southend United. However, Pete O’Rourke reports that Notts County are now competing with York to bring Boyes back into the EFL.
Boyes is under contract at Roots Hall until the summer of 2027, having joined Southend on a two-year deal following his release by Sheffield United last year. That leaves the Shrimpers in a relatively strong negotiating position, although the former Imp has reportedly submitted a transfer request in an attempt to secure a move.
York appeared to be leading the race after their promotion to League Two, but interest from Notts County could complicate their pursuit. The Magpies are now preparing for life in League One and would offer Boyes the opportunity to return to the level at which he previously represented us, Wycombe Wanderers and Fleetwood Town.
Southend are believed to have rejected York’s opening offer, with previous reports suggesting they wanted Ben Brookes included in any potential agreement. Alex Newby is another York player said to have attracted interest from the National League club.
Neither Southend nor Boyes has publicly confirmed that a transfer request has been submitted. The defender recently missed a pre-season friendly against Leyton Orient, although manager Kieron Dyer insisted his absence was caused by an ankle injury rather than the speculation surrounding his future.
Dyer also defended Boyes’ attitude and commitment, explaining that the defender had been attempting to play through the problem during pre-season.
“To be fair to Harry, he’s been gritting his teeth for us.
“He had a problem towards the end of last season and it was probably about my fourth or fifth day into pre-season that he kept flicking out his ankle.
“He’s got a problem with it and, to be fair to him, he’s been gritting his teeth and playing through the pain.”
Harry Boyes At Sincil Bank
Boyes joined us on loan from Sheffield United in January 2023 after spending the first half of the campaign with Forest Green Rovers. He made his debut immediately, starting in a 2-1 defeat away at Charlton Athletic.
He went on to make 18 League One appearances during the second half of the 2022/23 season. Although he did not score, Boyes provided energy and width from left wing-back before returning to Bramall Lane at the end of the campaign.
Further loan spells followed with Wycombe and Fleetwood before he left Sheffield United permanently in 2025. He subsequently joined Southend and became a regular during his first season at Roots Hall.
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