Transfer Centre

Claude Puel: 'Riyad Mahrez has not asked to leave Leicester City'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 04 January 2018

Claude Puel insists that Riyad Mahrez is "happy" at Leicester City and is not seeking a move away during the January transfer window.

Leicester City manager Claude Puel has said that he remains confident Riyad Mahrez will stay put this month, despite rumours that the winger has asked to leave.

Mahrez handed in a transfer request at the King Power Stadium in the summer after deciding that he wanted to seek a new challenge elsewhere.

Roma had a couple of bids knocked back by the Foxes and, with the winter window until the end of January, there has been talk of the Algeria international again pushing for an exit.

Puel has spoken face to face with the 26-year-old, however, and does not expect him to move on anytime soon.

"He is happy with the squad, it is speculation but for me it is no problem," Puel told reporters. "He is happy to play with this team, he enjoys his football and this is the most important thing.

"I want to keep all my best players and Riyad is an important player in the team for us. When I discussed things with him, he had a good attitude and is enjoying his football

"He is a happy player and likes to play with his teammates. His statistics have improved, with assists and scoring. Of course I want him to continue all this good work."

Mahrez has played a direct part in 10 goals during Puel's 13-match tenure, including a bullet strike against Huddersfield Town last time out.