According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester City are closing in on a deal with Leicester City for Riyad Mahrez. The 27-year-old nearly joined in January before the Foxes blocked the move, but Leicester are believed to be happier with the offer this time round.
Pep Guardiola was rebuffed in his efforts to bring Mahrez to the Etihad Stadium earlier in the season as City were unwilling to spend more than £60m for the Algerian forward. They’ve reportedly offered Leicester £50m + Patrick Roberts for Mahrez’s signature and may have better luck in completing the deal.
MEN say Leicester didn’t want to lose such a key player midway through the season unless the offer was too good to turn down. Man City failed to match their valuation of Mahrez so the Foxes held firm and said no. This summer, however, he could be allowed to leave as they’ll have time to find a replacement.
Roberts’ inclusion in the deal could be the sweetener, although it will be hard for the Midlands outfit to find anyone capable of matching Mahrez’s quality. The 27-year-old arrived at the King Power Stadium from AC Le Havre in 2014 and has gone on to contribute 86 goals in 179 games in all competitions.