Leeds United working on late transfer deadline day swoop for France under-21s attacker Jean-Matteo Bahoya

Leeds United are eyeing a late deadline day swoop for a France under-21s winger.

United have been hoping to sign another attacker before Tuesday night’s 11pm transfer deadline and the Whites tried to get Chelsea’s Ukraine international winger Mykhailo Mudryk who is heading to Tottenham.

Leeds, though, remained in the market for an attacker in the hope of an opportunity presenting itself in the final hours of the window and the club are now hoping to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s France under-21s winger Jean-Matteo Bahoya.

Capped five times for France’s under-21s, the 21-year-old forward looked set to join Hull City at the weekend only for the deal to collapse as Bahoya reportedly opted against moving to the Tigers.

The addition of another attacker would pave the way for Whites winger Willy Gnonto to join Fiorentina.

Leeds gave permission for Gnonto to fly to Italy on Monday but the Whites have been adamant that Gnonto would only be allowed to leave if they can sign another attacker.

The YEP understands that a deal for Bahoya would not be straightforward and that there are a few obstacles to overcome but Leeds are hoping to get him signed before the transfer deadline.

Primarily a left winger, Bahoya has made 78 appearances for Bundesliga side Frankfurt since joining the club from Angers in January 2024, the attacker bagging seven goals and eight assists.

Sunderland have also been credited with interest in signing him.

Amid the quest to get Bahoya through the doors, Leeds are expected to unveil versatile French left back Melvin Bard as the club’s sixth signing of the summer on a season-long loan from Nice.

Bard, who can also play as a left sided centre-back and left winger, is set to join the club on a season-long loan from Nice with an option to buy.

Leeds will pay a €1m loan fee to sign the 25-year-old and the Whites will have the option to make Bard’s move permanent next summer for €5m.

The 25-year-old has made 193 appearances for Nice during which he has scored seven goals and bagged six assists.

His arrival will provide competition and cover for Gabriel Gudmundsson at left back, as well as being a possible option at centre-back or out wide.