Portsmouth and Southampton are among the Championship clubs vying for the services of former Brighton wideman Solly March.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Burnley, Watford, and Wrexham are all interested in recruiting the 32-year-old.

March is presently available as a free agent after leaving the Seagulls earlier this summer when his contract expired.

After coming through the Sussex academy system, the winger spent 13 years as a core member of the first team squad, making 300 games and contributing to the club’s rise to the top division.

However, he only appeared four times in the Premier League last season, coming off the bench on each occasion.

And, due to his free agency, the choice on the next stage in his career will not have to be taken before the September 1 deadline, though clubs will need to find room on their rosters to make it happen.

Solly March draws interest from Championship quartet

It is thought that five Championship sides are presently vying for March’s signing.

However, Crystal Palace has been in talks with the midfielder since his departure from Brighton and could possibly make a move.

Rivals Southampton and Portsmouth are said to have held talks with the winger in an attempt to sign him.

Solly March’s Brighton league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com)

Season

Appearances (starts)

Goals (Assists).

2013-14

23 (7)

0 (1)

2014-15

11 (6)

1 (1)

2015-16

16 (13)

3 (1)

2016-17

25 (9)

3 (2)

2017-18

36 (18)

1 (1)

2018-19

35 (30)

1 (5)

2019-20

19 (11)

0 (1)

2020-21

21 (19)

2 (1)

2021-22

31 (17)

0 (2)

2022-23

33 (31)

6 (7)

2023-24

7

3 (1)

2024-25

8 (1)

0

2025-26

4 (0)

0

Wrexham, Burnley, and Watford have also contacted the forward, although it is unknown what the next step will be in March’s career.

The former Brighton player is also interested in the Saudi Pro League, so he has a lot of alternatives.

Palace are looking to add a number of players to their squad before the market closes, which may include March.

However, no decision on his future is required by then, as he can register outside of the transfer market as a free agent.

How Southampton fans feel about the prospective signing of Solly March

Despite his injury history, Solly March’s joining in the Championship could be a wise decision.

Five Championship sides are interested in signing him in March, and he may be a valuable addition to any of them.

While there are obvious concerns about his fitness, given that he has suffered two serious knee injuries since October 2023, limiting his matches played to just 14 in all competitions, and his wage package may reflect those concerns, he still has extensive Premier League experience.

March has worked under outstanding coaches at Brighton, including Graham Potter, Roberto de Zerbi, and Fabian Hurzeler, so he understands what it takes to compete at the highest level in English football.

He may not be able to play every week due to knee problems, but someone of his calibre could still perform admirably with limited minutes in the Championship – it’s difficult to see him signing with Crystal Palace at this point in his career, so a second-tier club should be on the lookout.