Manchester City Told Mahrez Fee; Will Deal Happen Now?

0

Embed from Getty Images

Leicester City lowered their demands for Algeria international Riyad Mahrez in an attempt to bring Manchester City to the negotiating table, reports the Guardian.

Twenty-seven-year-old Mahrez was subject of considerable interest from the Premier League champions during the last transfer window. However, City were unimpressed with the Foxes demands, believed to value the player at £95m.

According to the report, the City hierarchy viewed the numbers as “particularly unrealistic”.

The two clubs spoke informally during January and are believed to have re-opened discussions recently over the possibility of a move. It’s claimed the Foxes are willing to accept £60m with a further £15m in add-ons, depending on success.

That puts Mahrez closer to the £50m City are understood to be willing to pay. Mahrez’s future has been a source of constant speculation ever since he rose to prominence during the Foxes shock Premier League title triumph of 2015-16.

Pep Guardiola made no secret of his admiration for the winger and is keen to make him one of the two signings expected this summer.

The second, Jorginho, Napoli’s defensive midfielder, will prove a longer game. The 26-year-old is one of the departures expected in the wake of Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment as Partenopei head coach.