Leeds United took a big step towards Premier League survival with a 3-0 win over Wolves at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon.
With an eight-point cushion above the relegation zone and just five games left, the Whites now look almost certain to stay up.
Behind the scenes, Leeds have already started putting together a shortlist of transfer targets as they look to strengthen the squad and push on next season by adding quality in key areas.
Daniel Farke wants to add more attacking thrust to their squad, and an in-form Championship star in Leo Scienza is on their radar. However, Southampton have different plans.
Southampton are ready to block the transfer of Leo Scienza
Leo Scienza’s goals and assists have played a huge role in powering Southampton’s bid to get promoted to the Premier League this season.
He has scored ten times and registered the same number of assists in all competitions this season, including for his former club in Germany, and is going to be a key player if the Saints get promoted.
Southampton have won their last five games and are certain to be in the playoffs. They are not even out of the race of finishing in the automatic promotion spots.
Leeds are amongst the Premier League clubs who have identified Scienza, who joined the Saints from Heidenheim last summer, as a potential target for the upcoming summer transfer window.
However, according to Football Insider, Southampton are prepared to block a move away for the Brazilian at the end of the season.
If they get promoted, the Saints are almost certain to rebuff offers for the attacking midfielder. However, they are ready to dig their heels in and hold on to him if they remain in the Championship.
Scienza still has more than three years left on his contract, and the club are keen to keep him for the long-term.
Leeds need attacking reinforcements
The Whites are not mathematically safe yet, and Daniel Farke has urged caution. However, it would take a catastrophic set of results for them to go down from here.
Leeds are almost certainly planning for the summer and are aware that they need more goals and creativity in their squad.
They are expected to try to sign an upgrade on Dominic Calvert-Lewin or at least someone who can partner with him properly up front.
However, Leeds also need more creativity in their squad, and their interest in the Southampton star makes sense, given his performances this season.
There is no guarantee that the 27-year-old can make the jump to the Premier League from the Championship. However, based on available evidence, he seems to be a creative outlet who could make the grade in the top flight.
Leeds will not have unlimited funds to spend, so they will have to gamble on certain unproven players and hope they come good.
