Manchester City are edging closer to completing the signing of long-term target Riyad Mahrez.
The 2017/18 Premier League champions have been keen admirers of Mahrez and are finally getting close to bringing him to Manchester after a failed attempt in January, it is understood.
No deal has been struck between the two clubs but a £60m fee is thought to be enough to convince Leicester to sell.
Mahrez was given additional time off after representing Algeria in international friendlies in June and will is due to join Leicester’s pre-season training next week. However, reports suggest that the deal with City could go through before the end of the week.
The 27-year-old missed more than a week of training in February after a potential deadline day move from Leicester to Pep Guardiola’s side fell through.
Mahrez submitted a transfer request in January but later withdrew it in May after Leicester rejected an offer of £50m as well as young winger Patrick Roberts, with the Midlands side holding firm on their £80m demands.
Last summer Mahrez was also the subject of interest from abroad, as Roma had three bids rejected for the 2015/16 Premier League winner after he asked to leave.
Leicester signed Mahrez from Le Havre for just £400,000 in 2014 and he has since made 179 appearances, scoring 48 times, as well as starring in their title winning season and playing a major role in their Champions League run in 2016/17.
One of the reasons Leicester refused to sell him in January was because it would leave them too little time to find a suitable replacement, but now have time to identify reinforcements and have already signed attacking midfielder James Maddison from Norwich for £24m.
Leicester manager Claude Puel praised Mahrez’s attitude when he returned after missing two Premier League matches in February, but might be without him next season.
“Riyad reintegrated quickly and shows a great attitude,” the Leicester manager said in March. “His absence hurt us a bit, with results and confidence, but we are pleased to have him back because he is a top player.”
