Brighton to finalise new long-term Solly March contract
By Sean Walsh
Exclusive - Solly March is set to sign a new long-term contract at Brighton & Hove Albion, despite plenty of interest in his services from clubs in the Premier League and abroad.
The 27-year-old has spent his entire professional career with the Seagulls since joining from non-league side Lewes in 2011, ultimately helping them achieve promotion to the top flight in 2017 and keeping them clear from relegation ever since.
March is set to enter the final year of his deal at the Amex Stadium, but 90min can reveal that Brighton have fought off interest from Arsenal, Tottenham, Leeds, Newcastle and Burnley in order to get the winger to sign an extension.
Bundesliga sides RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund were also showing a keen interest in March, who had an impressive 2020/21 campaign as Graham Potter largely deployed him as a wing-back.
90min also understands that March was very much in Gareth Southgate’s thoughts ahead of Euro 2020. The England manager had conversations with former FA chief Dan Ashworth, now serving as Brighton's technical director, regarding a spot for him in the 26-man squad. March is still yet to receive a senior international call-up, however.
March has made 203 appearances for Brighton, scoring 14 goals. He played 21 times in the Premier League last season, though hasn't played since February after picking up a knee injury against Liverpool.
Brighton have already completed the signings of highly-rated midfielder Enock Mwepu from Red Bull Salzburg and goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen from Ajax this summer, while Danny Welbeck recently agreed terms on a fresh one-year deal. Midfielder Yves Bissouma continues to be linked with a move away, while Ben White is expected to sign for Arsenal in a £50m deal.
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