Riyad Mahrez returns to training ahead of Manchester City game

Leicester star Riyad Mahrez reported for training on Friday for the first time since his failed move to Manchester City on deadline day, claims BBC Sport.

Mahrez emerged as a shock target for City in the last two days of the January transfer window and Pep Guardiola’s side even had a £50m bid rejected on deadline day.

The Foxes were willing to sell the 26-year-old but City refused to match their £95m valuation before ending their pursuit of the Algeria international in the final few hours of the window.

Mahrez, who handed in his second transfer request in eight months, was left devastated after failing to force through a move and has not reported to training since.

Leicester manager Claude Puel revealed on Thursday that Mahrez would not feature against City this weekend but the former PFA Player of the Year has finally returned to training.

Puel’s side have reportedly fined Mahrez weeks’ wages but have been cautious in their handling of the Algerian amid fears they could push him away even before with four months of the season remaining.

Leicester have failed to win either of their last two matches since Mahrez went AWOL and Puel will hope for an incident-free re-integration as the Foxes look to consolidate seventh place in the Premier League.

Despite wanting to leave in the summer, Mahrez has been immense for Leicester this season. He has already played a direct hand in six more league goals (15) than he managed across the whole of last season (9).