West Ham Interested in Brighton Winger Solly March

Exclusive - West Ham are interested in signing Brighton winger Solly March this summer, and have opened negotiations with the Seagulls over a transfer.

March has made more than 200 appearances for Brighton, and though he had to fight for his place in Graham Potter's team last season, he became an important player towards the end of the campaign. His performances have earned him plenty of interest - Newcastle, Everton and Wolves are all monitoring his situation.

A source has indicated to 90min, however, that it's the Irons who have taken the initiative, having opened talks with Brighton over a potential move.

The south coast side, who are tipped for a big season after a strong finish to 2019/20, are prepared to sell the 26-year-old, who they picked up as a teenager from local non-league side Eastbourne Borough. Since joining their academy in 2011, he has made almost 200 appearances, helping them advance from the Championship and establish themselves in the top flight.

March, who was capped three times for England under-21s, is keen to move on after almost a decade at the Amex Stadium, feeling he can realise his ambition of becoming a full international under Gareth Southgate at a new club.

West Ham are yet to sign any new players this summer, with Tomas Soucek's permanent addition their only piece of incoming business. They have the tenth highest wage bill in the Premier League, dwarfing some of those around them, so may have to move players on before bringing anyone in.

90min exclusively reported last month that Felipe Anderson, Manuel Lanzini and Sebastien Haller have each been told they can leave, while other reports suggest that Jack Wilshere may be released, as the Irons seek to create some breathing room in the budget.