Manchester City have launched an audacious £60 million (Dh311.5m) move to sign Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City before Wednesday’s transfer deadline, according to Goal.
Mahrez’s name was first reported by British media on Tuesday lunchtime and City are said to be working hard to strike a shock deal for the Algerian.
City insiders believe that any possible move will be extremely difficult to conclude, but feel their chances would be boosted significantly if Mahrez forces the issue and demands that the Foxes sell him.
Mahrez has been determined to join a top European club for some time and it is understood he will soon hold talks with Leicester to make the case that they should let him join City this month.
Sources close to the player say a £60m bid was lodged on Tuesday.
City officials have been working on a third potential signing, possibly a forward, at the same time as negotiating deals for Aymeric Laporte and Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred.
And following Leroy Sane’s injury at Cardiff on Sunday, one which will keep him out for six or seven weeks, the Premier League leaders have stepped up their pursuit.
Pep Guardiola insisted during his Tuesday press conference that there was a “95 per cent or 99 per cent chance” that City would do no further business this window, but sources indicate he is hopeful of bringing in Mahrez – but only if the forward pushes for it.
The league leaders still hope to do business this month after ramping up their transfer plans, having missed out on Alexis Sanchez to neighbours and rivals Manchester United.
The Blues are determined to be more decisive in the market, and have also decided they do not want to be too active during the summer window.
