Southampton FC news: Leo Scienza exit stance, Cyle Larin update, Tonda Eckert drops squad reveal | OneFootball

All the latest Southampton news as the club continue their Championship promotion push and prepare for their FA Cup semi-final.

It is set to be an exciting end to the season for Southampton after an outstanding run of form.

Southampton began the season as one of the promotion favourites in the Championship, but a poor start to the campaign resulted in the sacking of Will Still in November with the club sitting just outside the relegation zone.

Tonda Eckert made an excellent impact after replacing Still on an interim basis to earn himself the permanent job, but the German came under pressure during the winter period following a seven-game winless run.

However, the Saints have rediscovered their form in recent months, and they are currently on a stunning 19-game unbeaten run in all competitions, while their 2-1 win at Swansea City on Saturday was their eighth consecutive victory.

Southampton currently sit fourth in the table, just one point behind second-placed Ipswich Town, and although they will be looking to continue their promotion push when they host Bristol City on Tuesday night, they also have an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City coming up at Wembley on Saturday.

As the Saints prepare for a season-defining period, here is all the latest news from St Mary's.

Southampton's Leo Scienza stance revealed amid Leeds United, Aston Villa interest

While many of the Southampton squad have received plaudits of late, there is no doubt that their standout performer this season has been winger Leo Scienza.

Scienza joined the Saints from German side Heidenheim in the summer for a fee of €8–10 million (£6.9–7.8 million), and he has enjoyed a stellar debut season on the South Coast, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists in 38 appearances in all competitions so far.

It seems Scienza's impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, with Premier League sides Leeds United, Everton, Aston Villa, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur all believed to be keeping tabs on the 27-year-old ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, despite the growing interest in Scienza, Football Insider claim that Southampton are confident of retaining the Brazilian, who reportedly has a £25 million release clause, this summer, even if they were to miss out on promotion to the top flight.

Southampton make decision on potential Cyle Larin permanent move

Southampton were rocked in the January transfer window by the departure of Adam Armstrong, who scored 11 goals in the first half of the season before joining Wolves for a fee of £7 million, plus a further £2 million in add-ons.

The Saints signed Cyle Larin on loan from Spanish outfit Mallorca to replace Armstrong, and while he had no previous English football experience at the time of his arrival, he has certainly made an impact at St Mary's.

Larin has scored six goals and provided one assist in 16 games for Southampton so far, which is a commendable record given that seven of those appearances have come as a substitute, and it appears the 31-year-old may have done enough to earn himself a full-time move.

According to Spanish outlet Cadena Ser, the Saints have a €4 million (£3.4 million) option to sign Larin permanently, and they will "make an effort" to bring him back to the club this summer, although it remains to be seen whether they can strike a deal.

Tonda Eckert makes Southampton squad revelation and issues mentality praise

Southampton's incredible rise up the Championship table has caught some by surprise after their disappointing start to the season, but Eckert has offered an insight into how the club have turned their season around.

The Saints once again showed their strong mentality as they came back from a goal down to win at Swansea on Saturday, with Shea Charles heading home an equaliser in the second half before Cameron Archer's 90th-minute winner.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday's game against Bristol City, Eckert hailed the commitment of the Southampton squad during their busy schedule, revealing that his players have opted to come in on their days off to help with recovery between matches.

"At this part of the season, we are not to rest any players," Eckert told the Southern Daily Echo.

"I've asked the medical department about it, because I only know how it's been over the last months. I have no idea how it was over the last years.

"But I think it has changed a lot. The determination that you find in the players to finish strong this season is, I think, quite remarkable.

"They come in on a Sunday for recovery when they could spend time with their family, still to make sure that their body is right to go again.

"I think it speaks for the determination of the team, and it's why you can play games like we did against Swansea on Saturday."