Notts sign forward Dennis after Carlisle exit

Matthew Dennis played for England at Under-15 level

Notts County have signed Matthew Dennis on a three-year deal after the forward rejected the offer of a new contract at Carlisle United.

The 23-year-old scored six goals in 14 appearances in his four months with Carlisle, but it was not enough to help the Cumbrians avoid relegation to the National League.

He moved to Brunton Park to join the relegation fight after being released by MK Dons in February, having previously spent part of the 2024-25 season on loan in the National League with Rochdale.

Dennis' arrival comes just days after the Magpies lost prolific veteran striker David McGoldrick, who himself turned down the offer a new contract with his boyhood club after netting 17 goals last term.

Notts' head of football Roberto Gagliardi says Dennis' performances and goals in League Two last term "prove he is more than capable of making an immediate impact" at Meadow Lane.

The forward, who spent time on the books at Arsenal and Norwich City as a youth player, is Notts' first signing since the sacking of head coach Stuart Maynard.

"Signing as a free agent, we believe he represents excellent value," Gagliardi said.

"And we're delighted to have beaten a number of other clubs, including some from higher divisions, to his signature."