A versatile French ace has become Leeds United’s sixth signing of the summer.

Leeds United have completed the deadline day signing of versatile French left back Melvin Bard who has become the club’s sixth signing of the summer.

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

The YEP understands that Leeds are paying 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 provides competition and cover for Gabriel Gudmundsson at left back, as well as being a possible option at centre-back or out wide.

Bard’s arrival is expected to be followed by another big deadline day deal to bring in France under-21s winger Jean-Matteo Bahoya from Eintracht Frankfurt.

A statement from Leeds United read: “Leeds United are delighted to announce the signing of defender Melvin Bard who joins the club from French side OGC Nice.

“The left-back makes the switch to Elland Road on loan with the option to make permanent, becoming our sixth summer signing.

“Bard came through the youth ranks with Ligue 1 powerhouses Lyon and earned a senior debut in a 4-0 victory over Nîmes in 2019 after spending time earning his stripes with their B team.

“The following campaign, the full-back featured 18 more times for OL which was enough for fellow French outfit OGC Nice to come calling for his signature in 2021.

“During his first term at the Allianz Riviera, the versatile defender enjoyed 37 outings in all competitions, scoring twice to help the club to a fifth-place finish and the final of the Coupe de France.

“Those achievements ensured qualification for the Europa Conference League where Bard starred eight times in the competition proper as Les Aiglons reached the quarter-finals.

“With Nice continuing to compete at the top of French football over the following few years, the 25-year-old was a regular in the side and added further impressive experience to his CV with 11 UEFA Europa League outings.

“Away from club football, Bard represented France all the way through the youth levels and was selected for Les Bleus’ Olympic Team for the 2021 Tokyo Games, where he played twice.

“Melvin becomes our sixth signing of an exciting summer and everyone at Leeds United would like to welcome him to the club!”