Crystal Palace pulled the plug on a deal to sign Solly March due to concerns regarding potential fan backlash, in what is a boost for Burnley, West Ham and Southampton.
According to Talksport, the 32-year-old underwent a medical ahead of a move to the Eagles, but chairman Steve Parish quashed the move at the 11th hour.
March is currently a free agent following his exit from Palace’s rivals Brighton at the end of last season.
The winger remains without a club, having spent the entirety of his career up to this point with the Seagulls.
March made 300 appearances during his time with the Premier League side, and was a crucial figure in their rise from the second tier of English football to the Europa League.
However, injury issues plagued his final couple of years at the Amex Stadium, which led to him departing at the end of his contract last summer.
West Ham, Burnley, Southampton receive Solly March boost
Solly March - Brighton and Hove Albion
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Palace were reportedly closing in on a deal to add March to the squad in order to bolster their forward options, but decided to pull the plug at the last minute.
It’s understood that Parish was wary of the club receiving backlash from supporters for signing someone so associated with one of their closest rivals.
Which Championship club(s) should push to sign Solly March? Comment your opinion below
Southampton, Burnley and West Ham were among the Championship sides also linked with a potential move for March earlier this year.
And all three clubs will receive a boost from Palace pulling out of the race for his signature, as they were able to offer Premier League football to the 32-year-old.
Solly March - Brighton league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com)
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It’s previously been reported that March is currently training with a Championship side, as he looks to find a return to football.
While the transfer market is currently closed, teams are still able to add a free agent to their 25-man squads, provided they have the space.
Solly March opens up on recent medical
March revealed earlier this month that he had passed a medical with a Premier League side, which was likely to have been with Palace.
The winger claimed that getting clubs to trust that his body can still cope with regular game time has been his biggest challenge since leaving Brighton, and that he hopes the positive medical will help in that regard.
“Clubs trusting my body and trusting that I can produce week in and week out with training and playing, that’s been the one challenge with most of the people I spoke to,” said March, via The Sun.
Dom Ballard, Nuno and Russell Martin
Dom Ballard, Nuno and Russell Martin
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‘They’ve all said the same thing, that it’s not a question of quality, it’s just a question of your body and how much you can take.
“I think I’m in a good position, I really am.
“My knee is happy and strong, there’s no swelling.
“I can do all the things that I need to do and very well.
“I had a medical at a Premier League club and it was all good but for various reasons nothing happened from it.
“But the medical was all good.
“To see that was a positive for me, that my body is passing these things.”
March made four appearances in the Premier League last season, all of which came as a substitute.
The forward has not played a competitive fixture since a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United on 24 May in the final weekend of the 25/26 campaign.
Nuno Espirito Santo, West Ham United
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Solly March would be a smart signing for any Championship side
The likes of Southampton or Burnley could use someone of March’s experience and quality, as he is someone who has performed to a high level in the Premier League.
While his fitness issues are an obvious concern, that could be a risk worth taking given he is now a free agent.
Provided his wage demands aren’t too excessive, he is a player that could be useful for any side in the Championship.
Given Crystal Palace were interested in a deal, it shows that he could potentially even still play at a Premier League level, if he can remain fit consistently.