Albion have secured the long-term future of Solly March by clinching a four-year deal with their brightest prospect.

March’s new contract replaces the development contract he signed in 2013, which still still had a year to run.

The talented teenager’s first team breakthrough this season has caught the eye of Premier League and Championship clubs.

March has made 22 first team appearances under Oscar Garcia during the current campaign, the latest in Tuesday’s stunning 4-1 win at promoted leaders Leicester.

The versatile 19-year-old was given more responsibility against Leicester, starting in central midfield for the first time after featuring previously on the right wing.

Head coach Oscar said: “Solly has made great progress this season and deserves this new contract. He has done very well in the matches he has played and has been a pleasure to work with.

“It’s hard for any young player to break through into the first team but it is even harder to stay there. That is the next challenge for Solly.

“He has the capability and, if he continues to work hard, I am confident he will achieve that.”

March, born in Eastbourne, was snapped up by Albion from Lewes in November 2011. His father Steve was an apprentice with the Seagulls in the late 1980's.

Fellow prospect Rohan Ince, who has also broken through into the first team as a deep-lying central midfielder under Oscar, signed a new two-and-a-half year contract in January.