It's fair to say that it's not quite been the ideal start to life with Leeds United for Jean-Kevin Augustin since he arrived at Elland Road in the January transfer window on loan from German side RB Leipzig. 

The forward has been restricted to just three substitute appearances for Marcelo Bielsa's men, who look well on course to make a timely return into the top-flight under the Argentine's guidance.

The 22-year-old hasn't been involved in the matchday squad since their narrow win over Reading back in late February, with injury keeping him sidelined. Augustin has since been captured working hard in training though, which will be pleasing to see for both Marcelo Bielsa and the club's supporters.

A recent report from Bild has claimed that Leeds will have to sign Augustin permanently at the end of the season, for a fee believed to be in the region of £17.7m if they are to win promotion back into the Premier League.

Speaking in an interview with Football Insider, former Leeds United man Noel Whelan labelled the potential permanent signing of Augustin as a risk, but felt that he could be an excellent player for the Whites if he can find his fitness levels.

"To put the money on the table is a risk.

"If he is going to be the record signing he needs to make a difference straight away. At the minute he has not made any difference and he has not been a part of this promotion push.

"He has had 55 minutes maximum and even with that he was fighting himself – his fitness and form. To be honest he was trying too hard. If we can get him into a good frame of mind and the fitness levels we expect we could have a real gem on our hands."

Due to recent off-the-field events, Leeds' promotion bid has been called to an abrupt halt, with no scheduled return date being put in place as of yet.

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The Verdict: 

Whelan's comments are spot-on here.

I would have thought that Augustin would have been able to make a significant impact at Leeds United when he signed on loan for them back in the January transfer window, but for one reason or another, he's struggled to adjust to the demands of English football.

But he's shown improvement in training whilst this break from competitive action is in place, and I think he could be worth the punt to sign permanently in the summer.

If he can finish the season strongly and play his part in Leeds' promotion bid this season, then I have no doubt in my mind that Bielsa will want to sign. him permanently at the end of this year's campaign.