Leeds United have agreed to sign Nice left-back Melvin Bard on deadline day, beating Premier League rivals Coventry City to the deal.

United’s deadline day business ought to entail one, maybe even at least two signings as Daniel Farke hopes for depth in key areas.

Left-back is one of them. And, the 49ers look to have landed their man with a deal in place to sign Nice man Melvin Bard.

Leeds United agree £5.1m loan-to-buy deal with Nice for left-back Melvin Bard

Bard, 25, emerged as Leeds’ target overnight having demonstrated real consistency during his time in Ligue 1 with Nice.

This morning, it’s been reported that the Whites have agreed an initial loan with an option to buy included. Leeds will pay a €1million loan fee with a €5million buy option. That takes the deal in total to £5.1million if that option is triggered.

Leeds have been needing a left-back to cover Gabriel Gudmundsson throughout this summer. The Swede ended last season ruled out with hamstring trouble, then rushed back to the World Cup, before suffering a similar pre-season setback. He’s only just returned from that issue to make the bench vs Brentford.

James Justin has been dependable cover wherever he’s played. But, he’s currently covering three positions at once with Joe Rodon now facing a spell on the sidelines.

Hidden bonus of Leeds United’s Melvin Bard deal – Coventry City miss out and left scrambling

Most importantly here, Leeds have addressed a major area of weakness by signing Bard today.

However, there’s an added benefit to it, given the fact that we’ve beaten Premier League rivals Coventry City to his signature.

The Sky Blues have started woefully in the Premier League with successive defeats to Arsenal and Hull City. As a result, they needed to end this window well to give themselves a better chance of survival.

Looking at their starting lineup, a left-back should be an absolute priority. Currently, their two options on the left of a back four are Jay Dasilva and Jake Bidwell, the former starting in the loss vs Hull.

Now, Leeds have snatched what appeared to be a key target of Frank Lampard’s before the deadline. They could still land a different signing, but to hijack this interest is ideal from Leeds for two reasons: we’ve strengthened, and a rival hasn’t (yet).

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