Interest grows in Scienza as Saints face summer transfer test | OneFootball

Southampton face a summer fight to keep Léo Scienza as interest mounts, whatever happens with promotion. The St Mary's crowd have embraced the Brazilian after a season of standout moments.

According to Sainstmarching.com, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Fulham, Everton and Leeds United have stepped up internal checks ahead of the summer.

Spurs must secure their own Premier League status before any bid, yet his Championship form could still tempt them even if they do not stay up. Villa could be especially appealing with Champions League football likely, and Unai Emery may need to replace Morgan Rogers and Jadon Sancho.

It is hard to picture him in a David Moyes team at Everton, given doubts over his defensive output. Fulham and Leeds may not be seen as a significant step up from Southampton.

Interest has also emerged from Brazil, yet a €29m (£25m) release clause sits beyond typical outlays, and even Bahia within the City Football Group are not expected to reach it.

Southampton enter a decisive spell with the playoffs looming. Promotion would make retaining Scienza more realistic, while missing out could increase pressure to sell. He might stay if they go up, and the lure of European football might be decisive, with English and top-division European clubs looking best placed if a decision is forced.

Source: Sainstmarching.com