Riyad Mahrez has revealed for the first time that he wants to speak with Roma about a potential move but will continue giving 100% to Leicester until he a deal is agreed.
The Algeria international told Leicester at the end of last season that he wants to leave the club but so far only Roma have come forward with formal offer for his services.
After signing a new long-term deal last summer, Leicester have slapped a £50m asking price on Mahrez’s head and Roma’s last offer was reportedly only in the region of £30m.
Leicester’s asking price appears to have put off potential suitors from firming up their interest in the 26-year-old, but Mahrez remains optimistic he will secure a move away before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month.
“I know Roma came in, but nothing was accepted so there is little I can do,” he told Sky Sports. “They are a great club who I would like to talk to but I can’t until Leicester accept a deal.
“Leicester know my thoughts, but I will continue to give my best for the club as I always have. Clearly, it is flattering whenever you got linked with any big clubs, but as it stands, I have not talked to anyone as nobody has had a bid accepted but we nearly have a month left of the transfer window so we will see what happens.”
Mahrez was named PFA Player of the Year during Leicester’s title-winning campaign in 2015/16 but his performances, like most of the Leicester team, dipped last season.
However, in the last two Premier League campaigns only Mesut Ozil (37) and Kevin de Bruyne (32) has created more clear-cut chances then the Algerian (30).
