Jean-Kevin Augustin relief for Leeds as move to France is agreed

Jean-Kevin Augustin is set to draw a line under his Leeds career by securing a move to Ligue 1 side Nantes.
The French striker was United’s big-name recruit in the January transfer window, signing on loan from the Bundesliga side. His transfer included the option to sign in a permanent £18m deal. On top of the £2m loan fee Leeds paid Leipzig, that would have made him their record signing.
But fitness issues severely hampered Augustin‘s spell at Elland Road. Indeed, Augustin has managed just three substitute appearances for the club, totally 49 minutes. He failed to score for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
It was hoped the break in the season would help the former PSG striker get up to speed and allow him to aid their promotion push. However, just a week before Project Restart, Augustin damaged his hamstring again.
His initial loan deal at Elland Road expired on June 30 and Leeds, did not ask Leipzig for an extension.
Soon after, it emerged that Leeds had abandoned their plan to sign Augustin permanently and the player had returned to Germany.
Leipzig, however, were not best pleased and it was reported they were considering legal action over the break in the agreement.
Very little has been said since then, but is has on Monday emerged that Augustin is poised for a move back to France.
As per L’Equipe, the 23-year-old is to join Nantes on a reported two-year deal.
Curiously, local media in the French region confirm Augustin will join Nantes as a free agent.
Quite what it means for Leeds and Leipzig remains to be seen. But Leeds will hope the transfer draws a line under an altogether unproductive spell in West Yorkshire.
Raphinha deal close for Leeds
Leeds, meanwhile, are nearing a deal to sign Rennes striker Raphinha but one major obstacle means the move remains under threat, according to a report.
Goal in Brazil claims the Whites have tabled an offer worth just under €21million (£19million) for the attacker.
While Rennes are yet to accept the proposal, the deal is ‘heading towards a positive outcome’, the report adds.
Indeed the Ligue 1 side are confident of using the funds to raid Anderlecht for Liverpool-linked forward Jermemy Doku.