Riyad Mahrez will return to action for Leicester City, but has insisted to the club he will not play for them next season.
The Algerian star saw a deadline day move to Manchester City fail to materialise as Leicester shunned four different bids, despite Mahrez handing in a transfer request. He has since refused to return to training and has missed two games with the club.
I understand that the 26-year-old will play again for Leicester, but his representatives are already working on possible summer destinations.
Mahrez’s people are aware that the English transfer window now closes early, at the start of August – and they will be doing their utmost to make sure that their man has secure a move away form the King Power Stadium long before then.
Algeria coach Rabah Madjer has thrown his support behind his star man, admitting that he needs to move away from Leicester.
“Mahrez currently deserves better than Leicester. But we must not forget that it was Leicester who put him on the right track,” he told Goal.
“I think a serious conversation with his board is needed. He wants to go to a bigger club in the English league. I do not know what really happened about his transfer. Me, I advise him to resume training and work hard, even if the transfer has not been resolved.”
Reports of unrest in the Leicester squad and anger at Mahrez, have been denied – with winger Marc Albrighton insisting he would be welcomed back.
“Obviously the media isn’t helping matters. We can’t come out and argue with anyone, we just have to get on with our football and do our job,” he said.
“I’ve seen a few stories saying the players were angry and it’s far from the truth.”
Mahrez is certainly fancied to move by the Bookmakers to move on. He is 1/4 with Ladbrokes to leave, and as long as 11/4 to still be a Leicester player next term.
Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: “The odds suggest it’ll be third time’s a charm for Mahrez as he desperately looks to escape the King Power once the transfer window reopens this summer.”