Leeds United striker search goes into final week of the window, Jean-Kevin Augustin fuels speculation with social media activity

Jean-Kevin Augustin wasn't in the Monaco squad at the weekend (Pic: Getty)

French outlet L’Equipe have reported that the 22-year-old, currently on loan at Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, has made up his mind to join Marcelo Bielsa in the Championship and reports elsewhere in France suggest a deal is possible.

For that to happen, Monaco will have to agree to terminate the forward’s loan deal, before Leeds can come to an agreement with RB Leipzig, all before Friday’s deadline.

A number of clubs are looking at the Frenchman, including Premier League sides.

He was left out of Monaco’s matchday squad for Saturday’s home 3-1 defeat by Strasbourg, with no official confirmation as to why and his social media activity – liking a flurry of tweets from Leeds fans – has only fuelled expectancy in West Yorkshire.

Augustin made the move to Germany in 2017 from French giants Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £11m and put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

This season he has started two of Monaco’s 16 league games and he is yet to open his Ligue 1 account for Robert Moreno’s side.

He was on target eight times last season for RB Leipzig and grabbed a Europa League goal against Celtic in the group stages.

It was in the 2017/18 season that he really showcased his talent on the ball, racking up impressive statistics for successful dribbles and passes, as well as contributing significantly to RB Leipzig’s defensive work.

Leeds have stepped up their interest in a number of forward options since a third offer for top domestic target Che Adams was turned down by Southampton this week.

The YEP reported earlier this month that the club were looking at a player on the continent.

They are desperate for a striker to bolster Bielsa’s attacking options, following the departure of Arsenal loanee Eddie Nketiah.

Patrick Bamford is currently the only senior striker on the books at Thorp Arch and Bielsa has made it clear the club’s sporting director Victor Orta and owner Andrea Radrizzani are doing everything possible to bring in another forward.