Newcastle United have reportedly had an approach blocked by Brighton and Hove Albion to sign winger Solly March in the summer.
The Lowdown: March signs new contract
Brighton confirmed on their official website on Friday that March has signed a new contract that will keep him at the AMEX Stadium until June 2026, with an additional option of a further year.
This comes off the back of a very impressive season with the Seagulls so far, where he has managed to score a total of eight goals and make a further five assists in 30 games over all competitions, with 11 of those goal contributions coming in the Premier League alone.
March has been a key part of guiding Roberto De Zerbi's side up to seventh place in the top-flight table, where they are just seven points off of the UEFA Champions League places, with as many as three games in hand on fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
The Latest: Newcastle approach blocked
As per Football Insider, Brighton have blocked an out-of-window move from Newcastle to try and sign March ahead of the summer.
The St. James' Park outfit have been 'keeping tabs' on the Englishman, as they look to improve their attacking output, but will now find it 'incredibly hard' to sign him after he put pen to paper on a new deal at the Seagulls.
Brighton made the new contract for March a 'top priority' after learning of Newcastle's interest in him, and the North East club still remain 'big admirers' of his, despite it now looking 'increasingly unlikely' that they will be able to sign him.
The Verdict: Would be an exciting addition
Given March's Premier League experience on top of his fine form this season, he would be a great addition to the Tynesiders' ranks for next term.
Aside from his goals and assists, the 28-year-old ranks highly in terms of most dribbles completed in the top flight this campaign, and thus would add another dimension to the Magpies attack.
March's performances have also caught the eye of England manager Gareth Southgate, but not quite to the extent of calling him up to the Three Lions squad for their upcoming fixtures for Euro 2024 qualification.
Nonetheless, even though it would be a much tougher deal to get over the line in the summer, the Toon should still try and do all that they can to bring March in through the doors.