Sources: Leeds willing to buy 'one of the best players in the Championship this season'

Leo Scienza could be allowed to leave Southampton in the summer with Leeds United among a number of clubs in the race, sources have told Football Insider.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding season so far in the Championship and there is a growing feeling he is ready to make the step up to the Premier League.

Southampton currently sit fourth in the table, just three points shy of second place, but if they miss out on promotion they may be forced to let their star players leave.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Leeds are one of multiple Premier League clubs ready to make a move for Scienza.

While any deal is likely to depend on Southampton’s promotion bid, Leeds are determined to strengthen their squad and view the winger among their top targets.

Leeds Untied boosted in pursuit of Leo Scienza

Football Insider revealed on 8 April that Southampton will be unable to keep Scienza if they are not promoted to the Premier League this summer.

Alongside Leeds, the likes of Everton and other mid-table Premier League clubs are believed to have been impressed by the winger’s performances.

Should Leeds secure Premier League survival in the coming weeks after placing themselves in a strong position, they will be well-placed to make a move.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “There’ll be a number of clubs who will look at Leo Scienza. He’s been one of the best players in the Championship this season.

“A real great pick up from Southampton when they signed him from Heidenheim in Germany, he’s been outstanding for them since his arrival.

“If Southampton remain in the Championship, they will find it hard to keep hold of the 27-year-old.

“There will be Premier League clubs, not just Leeds, who’ll be willing to offer the skilful winger that chance to play at the highest level as well.

“Southampton’s focus right now is on seeing if they can secure promotion, but if they miss out on promotion to the Premier League, it will be difficult.”

Who else has joined Leeds in the race for Scienza?

As previously mentioned, Everton are among a number of clubs who have joined Leeds in the race to sign Scienza should Southampton miss out on promotion.

A host of mid-table Premier League sides are also keeping tabs on his progress, but Football Insider recently shared reports that Aston Villa also want Scienza.

Should Unai Emery’s side opt to firm up their interest in the winger, they would likely have a significant advantage over the rest of the chasing back.

Villa are currently fourth place in the Premier League and on course to qualify for the Champions League, while they have progressed into the Europa League semi-finals.

Should they make a move for Scienza, they would likely rank higher than the likes of Leeds and Everton in their pursuit, and believe they could get a deal done.

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