Riyad Mahrez 'willing to take pay cut to force Leicester City exit'

Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez has reportedly agreed to take a sizeable pay cut to join Roma, but is still waiting for an offer to be formally lodged.

Foxes boss Craig Shakespeare revealed on Tuesday morning that the club have yet to receive any bids for the Algeria international, who announced at the end of last season that he wants to leave the King Power Stadium.

Arsenal are said to have withdrawn their interest due to the large asking price, thought to be around £50m, leaving Roma as the outright favourites to land Mahrez's signature in the remaining weeks of the window.

According to the Leicester Mercury, the 26-year-old has his heart set on joining the Italian outfit and has agreed to lower his wages.

It is claimed that Mahrez currently earns close to £100,000 a week in the East Midlands, but he will see his salary drop to £60,000 at Roma if a move can be finalised.