Sources: Aston Villa told 'outstanding' Championship star could be open to a move

Aston Villa target Leo Scienza has opened the door to a potential move to the Premier League this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The 27-year-old believes he is ready to make the step up, and should Southampton miss out on promotion, he is preapred to assess his options.

Tonda Eckert’s side are currently outsiders for automatic promotion, with a run in the playoffs more likely, and a number of top clubs are set to keep an eye on their progress.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Scienza is keen to play at the highest level and a summer move could allow him to do so.

Having thrived in the Championship since his £7.8million move from German outfit Heidenheim last year, Southampton could make a hefty profit as Aston Villa make transfer plans.

Could Aston Villa make a move for Leo Scienza?

Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on the winger’s progress, including the likes of Leeds, while Football Insider shared reports that Aston Villa could sign Scienza.

Unai Emery is keen to add new wingers to his squad when the transfer window opens as the position has been identified as a key weakness in his squad.

Sources say Southampton are reluctant to lose their star man and are hopeful of keeping him at St Mary’s, but missing out on promotion could make it difficult.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “He’s been one of the best players in the Championship this season, Leo Scienza.

“A real great pickup from Southampton when they signed him from Heidenheim in Germany.

“He’s been outstanding since his arrival with 10 goals and seven assists in 34 appearances, he’s played a key role in getting them to the FA Cup semi-final.

“He’ll play a key role in their bid for promotion as well, as they try to chase down that second automatic promotion spot behind Coventry City.

“He has ambitions to play at the highest level possible, and if Southampton can’t offer him Premier League football next season, he might look to move on.

“Premier League clubs could be willing to offer the winger that chance to pay at the highest level as well, Aston Villa could be among them.

“He’s under contract until 2029 and Southampton don’t want to lose him, but if they don’t win promotion, he might feel he’s ready to make that step up.”

Who else is in the race to sign Scienza this summer?

Emery’s side are far from the only ones interested in signing the Southampton winger, who has attracted interest from a number of mid-table Premier League outfits.

Should Villa qualify for next season’s Champions League, as they are on course to do, it would put them in a strong position to beat rivals to his signature.

However, Football Insider revealed on 17 April that Leeds believe they could sign Scienza and are keeping a close eye on his situation ahead of the summer.

Rivals including the likes of Everton, Fulham and even Tottenham are also believed to be tracking the Southampton star in case he becomes available.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding season so far in the Championship, leading to a growing belief he is ready to make the step up, and that could kickstart a race.

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