BAMBA DIENG walked out of a private jet terminal for a flight heading to Leeds after choosing to instead join Nice.
Leeds had agreed a deal worth around £8.6million with Marseille earlier on deadline day after their move for Cody Gakpo failed.
Dieng was all set to travel to England ahead of signing a deal – until Nice made a late swoop for the forward.
He was sat at a private jet terminal when the French side made their last-gasp approach.
Eventually, Nice convinced Dieng, 22, against signing for Leeds with the player set to remain in France.
Jesse Marsch was desperate to add a new striker all window, especially so after top scorer Rodrigo injured his shoulder against Everton on Tuesday.
And Dieng was seen as the perfect signing due to his ability to play out wide following Raphinha’s move to Barcelona earlier in the window.
Rodrigo suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder following a collision with Everton keeper Jordan Pickford during Leeds’ 1-1 draw.
Manager Marsch said: “An update on Rodrigo – when it pops out, it’s about as good a case scenario as possible.
“That means that it doesn’t need surgery and that hopefully in three to four weeks it can calm down.
“Maybe it takes a little bit longer, maybe it’s a little bit shorter. We will see.
“He feels good, he feels confident that he will be ready fairly soon so we’re kind of targeting after the international break.”
Leeds are also braced to lose former Manchester United winger Dan James, who has agreed a loan move to Fulham.
