Gus Poyet criticises Leicester City over Riyad Mahrez transfer situation

Gus Poyet has claimed that Leicester City need to take "responsibility" for the situation that Riyad Mahrez finds himself in.

The 2015-16 PFA Player of the Year submitted a transfer request earlier this week in a bid to seal a transfer before deadline day.

Manchester City were heavily linked with a swoop, but reportedly withdrew their interest once the Foxes demanded a player-plus-cash deal that amounted to around £95m.

In the end, Mahrez, who also requested to leave Leicester last summer, did not get his desired move and will now finish the season at the King Power Stadium.

Current Bordeaux boss Poyet has urged the fans not to blame the winger for wanting to join City, who currently have a 15-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

"It's very tough situation," the Uruguayan told talkSPORT. "I think Mahrez gave Leicester something that a few years ago no one, and I mean no one, thought would be possible, to win the Premier league.

"He has been a great servant of the club and has had a unique opportunity to go to a team that is playing incredible football. The player wants to go, logically, the transfer fee is more than good, but for reason somebody has said 'no'.

"I think it is clear the person who has said 'no' has to take responsibility and should not put that on the player. As a footballer, when the opportunity comes to go to a club you would love to join, and it doesn't happen, it's hard to take. What I would say to Leicester fans is, please, understand the player as well, don't only think about one side, the club. It's very difficult and, if that happened to me, of course I would be very, very upset."

Mahrez has scored nine goals and produced seven assists in 27 appearances in all competitions this season.