Manchester United failed with an eleventh hour bid for Jean-Kevin Augustin because they weren't organised enough.
Leeds completed a loan move for the 22-year-old on Monday, but United attempted to hijack the deal on Sunday.
However their bid was too late in the day, with the RB Leipzig striker already on his way to Elland Road for a medical, according to The Athletic.
The deal with Leeds was already at an advanced stage and they had shown a proactive stance, while United had been too reactive.
It is thought that Marcelo Bielsa was key in sealing the deal because Augustin shares an agent with Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy, and they already have a relationship with the Leeds boss.
Crystal Palace, Brighton and Newcastle have also been linked with the forward.
United's failure to land Augustin is a further blow for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in his pursuit of attacking depth.
They are still without Marcus Rashford, who faces a further six weeks out due to a double stress fracture in his back.
The England international has been enjoying the most productive season of his career with 19 goals in total. It leaves United with just Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood as fit centre-forwards.
However, it is a coup for Leeds as they bid for promotion back to the Premier League.
The Frenchman, who rose through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain, had joined Monaco on loan at the start of the season before going on to feature 13 times for the club.
