Leeds United boost promotion hopes with loan signing of striker Jean-Kevin Augustin

Leeds United are hoping the signing of striker Jean-Kévin  Augustin will kickstart their flagging automatic promotion push as manager Marcelo Bielsa looks to solve a long-standing problem with his team.

Leeds have won just once in their last eight games and have seen their lead over third-place Fulham slashed to just three points.

And, just as it was last season, it has been the inability to convert their chances that has proven to be their Achilles heel and Bielsa was desperate to add to his squad in that area this month.

Following Arsenal’s decision to recall Eddie Nketiah at the start of the month was a huge blow to Leeds, even though the forward only made 15 appearances under Bielsa, who seemed unsure how best to use him.

Bielsa had also been linked with move for Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle, but the Premier League club would not let him leave on loan this month as they do not have enough cover in that area..

Augustin arrives in Yorkshire with a big reputation, having come through the youth system at Paris St-Germain. He made his senior debut in France almost five years ago and moved to Red Bull Leipzig in 2017 for a fee of around £11 million.

Leeds will have to at least that much to make the move a permanent one, although the forward has initially only joined on loan for this season.

Augustin spent the first half of this campaign on loan at Monaco, but struggled for game time, which allowed Leeds to move for him as his German club want him to be playing regularly.

The 22-year old has played in both the Champions and Europa Leagues during his time in Germany and looks like a fine signing for a Championship club.

He is the third new arrival at Elland Road this month following the capture of midfielder Ian Poveda on loan from Manchester City and goalkeeper Elia Caprile from Chievo.

The recruitment drive is a timely boost for Bielsa, who has faced criticism for the first time in his 18-month reign at Leeds as results have dipped over the winter. Owner Andrea Radrizzani has also found the funds needed to bolster the squad, despite claims he is desperate to sell the club.