Why Everton will require patience as Leo Scienza admission keeps transfer door wide open
Leo Scienza's future at Southampton should become clear over the next few weeks amid Everton's interest.
The winger was one of the Saints' most integral players as they looked to reach the Premier League last season.
The well-reported "Spygate" scandal prevented that outcome, despite the South Coast club winning the semi-final of the play-offs.
And that could now hand Everton an advantage in the race to sign the Brazilian, according to his own words.
The Blues have been slow to react in the market, and adding forwards would be ideal at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
David Moyes could now be handed the incentive he needs to push for Scienza.
What has Leo Scienza now said about his future?
The talented attacker has been a name linked with the Toffees for many months, with Goodison News reporting on news that Everton had sent scouts to watch Scienza.
At the time, Southampton's fate in the English football pyramid had yet to be decided. If they were promoted, it could have made any move harder.
Now, Scienza has opened up about his future at Southampton and has admitted that the "Spygate" scandal has "changed things" around his future.
Speaking with Transfermarkt, the 27-year-old confirmed he is set for talks with Southampton over his future.
He stated: "I feel that my performances have earned me the right to sit down and talk about the future.
"The situation in the summer has obviously changed things, so there are issues we need to discuss. But basically, I'm open to anything. I've always emphasized that my big goal is the Premier League.
"The club and I will sit down in the coming weeks and talk openly about the current situation and my future."
With Everton in the Premier League, they can of course allow the Brazilian to achieve that goal.
But, if they do want a move, they will have to show patience and await the outcome of those talks between the winger and his current club.
How much would Scienza cost Everton?
Scienza would not come cheap for Everton after he secured 16 goal contributions last season for Southampton.
Speaking back on BBC Radio Solent on 13 July, journalist Adam Blackmore shared that he was quoted £35million as a price tag by owner Dragan Solak for Scienza.
Of course, that is no cheap price, but if Scienza's talks with Southampton end up negative, the door will be firmly open to strike a deal this summer.
But Scienza's contract in SO14 is valid until June 2028, so Southampton won't be in any rush to allow one of their top stars to leave, especially for cheap.