Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez has asked to leave the club and a move back to France looks on the cards.

Sources close to the player have told me both Monaco and Paris Saint Germain are keen on the Algerian, who played his football in France before joining Leicester from Le Havre in January 2014, and a move back across the Channel does appeal – although he is keeping his options open.

He was one of their key players in their title charge which saw Leicester win the Premier League title in 2016 and was named Player of the Year.

Mahrez, like Leicester in general, did not enjoy a hugely successful season in their title defence year – but he opted to stay, but now has made it known he wants to leave the King Power Stadium.

“Out of the huge admiration and respect I hold for Leicester City Football Club I wanted to be totally honest and transparent with them and have therefore informed the club that I feel now is the time for me to move on“

“Out of the huge admiration and respect I hold for Leicester City Football Club I wanted to be totally honest and transparent with them and have therefore informed the club that I feel now is the time for me to move on,” the 26-year-old said in a statement.

“I had a good discussion with the chairman last summer and we agreed at that time that I would stay for another year in order to help the club as best as I could following the transition of winning the title and in the Champions League.

“However, I am fiercely ambitious and feel that now is the time to move on to a new experience.

“I’ve had the four best seasons of my career at Leicester and have loved every moment. I feel immense pride to have been a part of what we have achieved during my time at the club, culminating in becoming Premier League champions.

“The relationship I share with the club and our amazing fans is something I will treasure forever and I truly hope they will understand and respect my decision.”

Monaco have emerged as early favourites with the bookmakers, and some including BetVictor even suspended betting. Other making him odds-on with SkyBet ranking the Principality outfit 4/6.

Leicester City sources insist that it will take a fee “well in excess” of £30million to land Mahrez, who only signed a new long-term deal last year.