Leicester City confirm 'low offer' from Roma for Riyad Mahrez turned down

The Algeria forward told the club he wants to leave after an underwhelming follow-up season to their title-winning campaign in 2015/16

HONG KONG - JULY 19: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City during the Premier League Asia Trophy match between Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion at Hong Kong Stadium on July 19, 2017 in Hong Kong, Hong Kong.  (Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images)
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Leicester City have rejected a bid for Riyad Mahrez, according to manager Craig Shakespeare.

The Algeria forward told the club he wants to leave after an underwhelming follow-up season to their title-winning campaign in 2015/16.

He has not handed in an official transfer request, but said earlier in the summer it was "time to move on" and that he had a gentleman's agreement with the club to do so.

The 26-year-old winger is in Hong Kong taking part in the Asia Trophy with City and, speaking to Sky Sports from the competition, Shakespeare said: "I think I was quoted on the last press day that there was no bids.

"There was a bid from Roma I was told afterwards, so I would like to put the record straight on that one.

"It was politely declined on the basis that it was a low offer. Of what that offer is, don't ask me how much because I don't know and I don't get involved in that."

Roma are on the lookout for a new forward after the departure of Mohamed Salah to Liverpool.

Harvey Barnes, 19, who made his debut in a Uefa Champions League game against Porto last season, has penned a new four-year deal.

Midfielder Barnes was part of England's victorious Toulon Tournament squad this summer and impressed while on loan at MK Dons last term.

Shakespeare said: "Harvey's a really exciting young player and it's been a real pleasure to watch him develop, particularly during the last year where he's been regularly involved in the first-team set-up.

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"The way he took to his loan spell at MK Dons - his first experience of league football - speaks volumes both for his quality as a player and his maturity as a young man.

"He's a bright, gifted boy with a terrific attitude and a big future. We're delighted that future is with Leicester."