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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Stephen Killen

Riyad Mahrez's Man City future 'in doubt' following exclusion and more rumours

Riyad Mahrez's future has come under a cloud of uncertainty after his struggles to break into Pep Guardiola's side this season — which has led to potential interest from around Europe.

Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have previously shown interest in the Manchester City winger, with his latest stint on the bench saw him sit out of their 2-0 win over Manchester United.

He has, however, featured in all of City's Champions League games this term — where he has scored four in as many games. But he has only started two games in the Premier League in that time.

Aymeric Laporte, Gabriel Jesus and Bernardo Silva have previously spent time on the bench under Guardiola due to fluctuating form.

And Footmercato have reported that Mahrez could be headed for a January exit in pursuit of first-team football.

However, this claim was rebuked with Mahrez himself reportedly denying the claims to City Xtra.

Meanwhile, Onze TV, as quoted by Daily Express have reported that City have turned down Barcelona's attempts to offload Ousmane Dembele on no fewer than three occasions.

Xavi succeeded Ronald Koeman this week after the Dutchman was sacked earlier in the season and has already spoke highly of the Frenchman, but it has been said that during Barca's financial trouble, they were actively seeking a departure for the former Borussia Dortmund man.

Firstly, City reportedly turned down the opportunity for Dembele amid problems of financial fair play before Laporte and Sterling were offered as an exchange for the attacker and Ronald Araujo in the second spell of negotiations.

In the final round, Sterling was said to have been pushed forward as part of a swap deal but it was the Englishman who reportedly turned down the challenge — although no timeframe was mentioned as to when the talks took place.

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