Leeds United have secured a deal to bring OGC Nice left-back Melvin Bard to the club on a temporary basis for the upcoming season. The 25-year-old defender will move to Elland Road on a paid loan arrangement, according to reports from L’Équipe.
The Yorkshire club successfully outbid West Ham United in the race to acquire Bard’s services. The French full-back had featured in Nice’s opening two Ligue 1 matches before the transfer was finalized, bringing an end to speculation about his future at the French club.
Under the terms of the agreement, Leeds will pay €1 million for Bard’s loan spell. Additionally, the Premier League side have secured a purchase option allowing them to make the move permanent for €5 million at the conclusion of the season. Bard remains contracted to Nice until 2028 and has made 193 appearances for the club since joining from Lyon.
Nice have already identified a replacement in Niels Nkounkou, securing his services ahead of Bard’s departure. The defensive reinforcement represents another piece of business for Leeds as they prepare for the campaign ahead.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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