According to the Shields Gazette, Brighton youngster Solly March almost moved to Championship rivals Newcastle United.
The 22-year-old, who has been with Brighton since 2011, underwent a trial with the Magpies during Alan Pardew’s tenure as manager and a deal seemed imminent.
However March’s manager Robert Codner has revealed that the player decided against a move due to tragic event in his personal life.
“He went up there. He had a tragedy, something happened to his best friend. He took it quite badly, so Newcastle sent him back. That was the window for Brighton to become involved. Millwall were involved as well. Brighton jumped in and got the deal done.”
After being unavailable in the early part of the season due to injury, the midfielder has established himself as a key member of the Brighton squad as they attempt to win promotion to the Premier League next season. Brighton are one point adrift of leaders Newcastle on the Championship standings.
