Crystal Palace want to sign a Brighton star who Coventry City think would be an ‘invaluable’ coup, according to reports.
In 48 hours, Palace will walk out in Leipzig for one of the biggest games in their history.
The Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night offers the chance to win a first European trophy and cap a season that, domestically, has been largely forgettable.
Silverware in Germany would change the entire complexion of what comes next, especially with a place in the Europa League on the line.
The managerial search remains unresolved.
Andoni Iraola remains Palace’s dream Oliver Glasner replacement, but he is now attracting interest from Bayer Leverkusen and others.
Crystal Palace and Brighton offered “world-class” striker as club green-light exit
He’d be a solid signing for both.
Filipe Luis has held discussions with the hierarchy as an alternative, according to talkSPORT, while Robbie Keane’s decision to step down at Ferencvaros could reignite links from February.
Now, Palace’s transfer plans have been brought to the forefront, and they could raid their rivals.
Crystal Palace express interest in signing Brighton legend Solly March
According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Crystal Palace are among seven Premier League clubs who have registered an interest in signing Solly March.
Brighton will allow the long-serving winger to leave on a free transfer this summer.
The Seagulls held an option to extend his contract by a further 12 months, but following discussions between the club and the player’s camp, an agreement has been reached that March will depart the Amex Stadium after more than a decade and over 300 appearances.
The 31-year-old has not played regularly since a serious knee injury in May 2025 kept him sidelined until early March of this year, but he is now back and steadily building his capacity.
March’s appeal stretches well beyond his fitness status.
He is widely regarded as possessing one of the most reliable left feet in the Premier League, and his versatility — capable of operating as a right-winger, a wing-back, or deeper in midfield — makes him an attractive proposition for clubs with very different tactical needs.
His experience at the top level, his professionalism, and the fact that he is available for nothing represent the kind of low-risk, high-reward deal that recruitment departments dream about.
Coventry and Ipswich, both preparing for life back in the Premier League after promotion, are understood to view March as an ‘invaluable’ addition.
TEAMtalk report that both newly promoted clubs believe his leadership, technical quality and proven top-flight pedigree could make a significant difference as they look to establish themselves among the elite.
For Palace, the logic is straightforward. A left-footed, experienced Premier League performer who can cover multiple positions across the right flank and beyond — all without spending a penny on a fee — fits neatly into a squad that needs reinforcing quickly and efficiently.
Whether Palace can win the race given the sheer volume of competition remains to be seen, but the interest is apparently real.
Another major cavaet is whether March would choose to join a rival like Palace, given the plentiful options on his team’s desk.
First, though, there is Wednesday. Then the rebuild begins in earnest.
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