Man City target Riyad Mahrez will not return to Leicester quickly

David Cooper - Writer 15:01 07/02/2018
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  • Riyad Mahrez's arrival at the Etihad Stadium is a clear indication Man City won't rest on their laurels.

    Leicester are prepared to take their time reintegrating Riyad Mahrez back into the club.

    It is understood the Algeria international missed training on Tuesday after failing to land a deadline day move to Manchester City last month.

    The Foxes travel to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday with Mahrez now expected to miss the game, having sat out the last two matches.

    They will hold talks with Mahrez’s representatives but will not rush the former PFA Player of the Year back.

    A ‘close friend’ of Mahrez has been quoted saying the winger was depressed after the failed move and it has changed the dynamic of discussions.

    Leicester need to be cautious with how they deal with the issue surrounding Mahrez’s health.

    Mahrez wanted to leave the King Power Stadium last month, handing in another transfer request following an initial one in the summer.

    Split: Riyad Mahrez has fallen out with Claude Puel and Leicester over the failed transfer.

    Split: Riyad Mahrez has fallen out with Claude Puel and Leicester over the failed transfer.

    Leicester stood firm on their valuation though and eventually asked Manchester City for £80million cash.

    City’s final offer was £50million plus an unnamed player who they valued at £15million.

    Philippe Coutinho’s £142million move to Barcelona from Liverpool and the fact City had just spent £57million on defender Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao stiffened Leicester’s resolve.

    Mahrez also only signed an improved four-year deal in 2016 after helping the Foxes, under Claudio Ranieri, to a shock Premier League title.

    He stayed for their Champions League campaign, where they reached the quarter-finals, but now wants to leave.

    Mahrez has missed the 2-1 defeat to Everton and last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Swansea.

    Boss Claude Puel has remained tight-lipped over the saga and hinted he is happy to prepare for games without the 26-year-old.

    He said: “Riyad is not my preoccupation. My preoccupation is about my available players and to keep them in a positive attitude and to continue this good work.

    “My only feelings are about my available players and as for Riyad we will see later.”

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