Leeds agree Deadline Day deal for Nice left-back Melvin Bard

Leeds United have reportedly agreed a Deadline Day deal to sign Nice defender Melvin Bard as Daniel Farke moves to strengthen his squad before the summer transfer window closes.

The 25-year-old French left-back is set to join Leeds on a season-long loan with an option to buy, providing Farke with another defensive option for the Premier League campaign.

According to L'Equipe, an agreement has been reached with Nice, while The Telegraph's Mike McGrath reports that Bard is travelling to complete his medical ahead of the move to Elland Road.

Leeds entered Deadline Day with until 11pm to complete their remaining transfer business and appear to have made an early breakthrough.

Reports in France emerged overnight claiming Bard was heading to England after Leeds and Nice reached an agreement over a temporary transfer.

McGrath subsequently reported on Tuesday morning that the deal has been agreed and the defender is travelling for his medical.

Provided those checks are completed successfully, Bard can proceed with the remaining contractual formalities before Leeds officially announce the signing.

The exact value of the purchase option has not been disclosed.

Bard's arrival would give Farke additional depth on the left side of his defence during Leeds' first season back in the Premier League.

The structure of the transfer also provides Leeds with flexibility.

Rather than immediately committing to a permanent fee, the club will have an entire season to assess Bard's adaptation to English football before deciding whether to activate their option to buy.

At 25, the Frenchman arrives at an age where he can immediately compete for first-team football while still offering potential longer-term value should his loan prove successful.

Bard's expected arrival continues a busy summer at Elland Road as Leeds attempt to build a squad capable of establishing themselves back in the top flight.

Farke's side have already taken four points from their opening two Premier League matches, beating Nottingham Forest before drawing 1-1 with Brentford.

Those results have provided an encouraging platform, but Leeds have continued looking for opportunities to strengthen before the window closes.

Bard now appears set to become their latest addition.

With an agreement already in place and the defender travelling for his medical, the move has progressed beyond initial negotiations. Leeds must now complete the remaining formalities before the 11pm deadline.

Bard is expected to undergo his medical before completing the necessary paperwork with Leeds.

Assuming there are no late complications, Leeds can then officially confirm the French left-back's arrival before Tuesday's 11pm transfer deadline.