Aston Villa given new evidence to support Leo Scienza signing after Southampton development
Aston Villa have been linked with Southampton winger Leo Scienza, who was in fine form on Tuesday night.
The 27-year-old featured throughout the Saints’ 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town, which has confirmed their attendance in the Championship play-offs.
Wes Burns opened the scoring for the Tractor Boys after the break, but quickfire goals from Ryan Manning and Cyle Larin flipped the game on its head.
In the final minutes, Jack Clarke’s superb strike levelled the scores again and condemned Southampton to the play-offs.
Villa transfer chiefs will be hoping the Saints are denied a return to the Premier League, with Scienza’s future likely to depend on it.
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VISIT THE VILLA TRANSFER HUBLeo Scienza impresses again vs Ipswich Town
Football Insider exclusively revealed last week that Scienza has opened the door to the Premier League this summer, with Villa among the interested clubs.
The winger is under contract at St Mary’s Stadium until 2029, having joined Southampton from Heidenheim last summer in a deal worth around £8million.
| Leo Scienza | Stats vs Ipswich Town (H) |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Accurate passes | 19/25 |
| Chances created | 3 |
| Successful dribbles | 2/3 |
| Recoveries | 5 |
| Duels won | 10/13 |
| Was fouled | 7 |
The Saints will hope to at least double their money for Scienza, after a season that has seen him score seven goals and provide 10 assists in just 31 Championship appearances.
Villa will hope to agree a cut-price deal for the 27-year-old if Tonda Eckert’s side ultimately miss out on a return to the Premier League.
The forward was impressive again on Tuesday, and likely should have left the game with a goal contribution.
Scienza created three chances, took three shots and completed two successful dribbles throughout the contest.
Ipswich struggled to deal with the Brazilian and fouled him a staggering seven times on the night, while losing nearly all of their duels against him.
Aston Villa to support play-off opponents
Southampton’s final day trip to Preston North End now serves entirely to confirm their play-off opponents for next month.
Currently, they are set to take on Middlesbrough, who remain among the three teams in contention to finish second.
Boro will take the automatic spot if Ipswich and Millwall lose, but the Tractor Boys will be expected to hold their nerve and go up.
Villa will be paying close attention to the play-offs, as they hope for the best outcome for a potential deal for Scienza this summer.
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