DALE STEPHENS is not surprised Albion team-mate Solly March has been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Southampton are reportedly plotting a £7.5 million raid for the England under-21s winger. They are not the only Premier League club tracking in-form March’s progress. West Ham and Stoke are understood to be interested as well.

Midfielder Stephens told The Argus: “It’s not a surprise that players like Solly March are getting recognised for moves to Premier League teams.

“He’s done really well in recent weeks, has managed to add goals to his game, and hopefully that can continue, He can keep us in the top two hopefully.”

Albion have no plans to cash in on their former Lewes find and March, under contract until 2018, is content to continue his education with the Seagulls. His confidence has soared with a run of seven starts in the last nine games since October.

Boss Chris Hughton hailed his display against Birmingham at the Amex last Saturday as outstanding.

March, 21, will be trying to score for the third home game in succession against Stephens’ ex-club Charlton tomorrow after hitting the target against MK Dons and Birmingham either side of his full debut for the England under-21s at the Amex.