Everton are closely monitoring Leo Scienza over at Southampton.
The Brazilian has made the Toffees sit up and take notice after shining in the FA Cup quarter-final win over Arsenal, tormenting Everton target Ben White to secure a 2-1 win and a trip to Wembley.
RTI Esporte in Brazil now state that Everton are stepping up their interest in Scienza, with Southampton seemingly worried as they try to improve the South American’s contract.
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Ivan Toney of Al Ahli celebrates after scoring the 2nd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ahli and Al Nassr
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Southampton trying to keep Leo Scienza as Everton and others flock to St Mary’s
The Brazilian news outlet claim Everton – along with Tottenham, Aston Villa, Fulham and Leeds – sent scouts to the St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday to watch the winger once again, as he impressed against Derby.
Scienza scored the equaliser in the 62nd minute, which ultimately set Southampton up to win 2-1.
RTI Esporte claim scouting trips at this late stage of the season suggest ‘interest has already gone beyond the initial monitoring phase’ for Everton, who are now more likely to be assessing whether the 27-year-old can handle the pressure of being in the transfer spotlight.
Having netted the equaliser and also started the attack which led to Taylor Harwood-Bellis scoring the winner, it certainly seems as if Scienza can cope.
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The report adds that Southampton are now trying to tie the man born in Venancio Aires down to a new contract, despite the fact he penned a four-year deal back in September when arriving from Heidenheim.
RTI Esporte say the current contract contains a £25m release clause, so Southampton are surely looking to remove that clause and potentially offer a pay rise to reward his strong performances.
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James Tarkowski of Everton celebrates after his goal stands following a VAR review during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park. Dominic Calvert Lewin of Everton celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park. Richarlison of Everton celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield.
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It suggests the Saints are becoming quite concerned about losing Scienza, which can only be a positive for Everton – who also want Shea Charles from Southampton – as this transfer saga begins to warm up.
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