West Ham face late blow as Leeds United win race to sign international star | OneFootball

West Ham's search for a left back goes on as Leeds United beat them to a key target.

It has been a frustrating transfer window for West Ham, and that has been encapsulated in the club's late efforts to bring in more players ahead of the impending deadline.

There have been positives, with Arne Engels, Manor Solomon and Joel Piroe among the arrivals, while holding on to Jarrod Bowen is a significant boost.

However, results and performances have been concerning, and it looks like Nuno Espírito Santo is short of what he needs to challenge for the automatic promotion places.

Now, to add salt to the wound, the Hammers are set to be beaten to one of their targets by Premier League outfit Leeds United ahead of tonight's deadline.

Leeds United set to beat West Ham to Melvin Bard's signature

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West Ham were always going to face a fight to keep hold of their players, and while some like Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville were expected to depart, it was hoped that others would stay.

El Hadji Malick Diouf certainly falls into that category after an encouraging first season at the London Stadium despite his club's form, but he has since left for Brentford.

The Irons have been searching for a replacement, with Nice's Melvin Bard identified as a target, according to Foot Mercato, although Leeds were also reported to be keen.

Now, The Telegraph's Mike McGrath has reported that the Peacocks are signing the right-back on loan, thus ending the Irons' hopes of landing the defender.

Bard has been a Nice player since 2021 and has made 193 appearances for the Ligue 1 club, while he has also been capped by France twice.

Hammers in race against time to land left back

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West Ham clearly did not want to lose Diouf, but when a Premier League club comes knocking with a big bid, and the player wants to go, there is only so much that can be done.

However, the Senegal international's departure leaves Nuno thin on the ground at left-back with Oliver Scarles the only recognised option in that position.

Kyle Walker-Peters played on the left against Watford, and did a decent enough job, but if the club want to challenge at the top of the table, more quality is required.

Harry Amass could be another option for the East London outfit, but reports suggest that Burnley are making significant steps to sign the Manchester United man.