Crystal Palace are considering a surprise free transfer move for former Brighton favourite Solly March as the club also moves closer to completing a deal for ex-Arsenal and Ajax defender Takehiro Tomiyasu ahead of the new season.

The former Brighton winger is currently assessing the possibility of a hugely controversial switch to fierce rivals Crystal Palace. March wants to stay in the Premier League after leaving the Seagulls, while Palace are also reported to be nearing an agreement to bring in Tomiyasu.

Controversial move to Selhurst Park

March ended his 15-year association with Brighton at the close of last season and is now available as a free agent. According to BBC Sport, Crystal Palace have held internal discussions over a move to take him to Selhurst Park. Such a transfer would come as a major shock to fans of both clubs because of the intense rivalry between Crystal Palace and Brighton.

Pierre Sage was appointed Crystal Palace manager in June, succeeding Oliver Glasner, and the new head coach is keen to add established experience to his squad. March made 194 Premier League appearances for Brighton and is determined to find another club in England so he can continue playing at the highest level.

Waiting for the right chance

March has been using Brighton's training ground facilities to stay fit while he looks for a new club. Speaking recently to talkSPORT, he outlined his current circumstances and made clear that he wants to remain in England's top division.

"I've never been in this situation before, I've always been at Brighton," March said. "It's a bit of the unknown really, not having a club. I'm just waiting for the right opportunity. But I'm fit, which is the main thing for me, and I'm feeling good." He also confirmed that he has had offers from abroad, but said a move overseas is not his preferred option, leaving the door open for Crystal Palace to step in with an approach.

Defensive additions for Pierre Sage

As well as their interest in March, Crystal Palace are poised to sign Tomiyasu on a free transfer. The Japan international has come through a successful trial period and has reached a broad agreement over personal terms with Palace.

Sage intends to use a back three next season and sees Tomiyasu as an ideal fit on the left side of that central defensive unit. Crystal Palace have made defensive reinforcements a priority this summer after first-choice centre-back Maxence Lacroix left for Chelsea. Tomiyasu recently had a spell with Ajax, where he made eight appearances for the Dutch side, and he also played three matches for Japan at the World Cup before returning to England.

What next for Crystal Palace?

Crystal Palace are expected to decide soon whether to make March a formal contract offer. In the meantime, March will continue to keep himself fit while considering the options available to him. "For me personally, I still want to play in the Premier League," March said. "I definitely think I can do that. Maybe I've got to be patient, I don't know. But it's difficult, you get itchy feet, you're at home alone and training alone." Palace are also expected to complete Tomiyasu's arrival in the near future.