Mahrez: Claude Puel assures Leicester star is happy
The French coach denied rumours that the midfielder has handed in a transfer request, while Jamie Vardy is a doubt for FA Cup return to Fleetwood.
Leicester boss Claude Puel confirmed on Thursday that he has held talks with Riyad Mahrez, who is happy to stay with the Foxes.
The 56-year-old Frenchman rejected claims that Mahrez will seek a move from Leicester in the January transfer window.
Over the past months, the Algeria international has been linked with a move to Barcelona, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea.
Puel: “I want to keep all my best players”
The Algerian winger handed in a transfer request in May, yet he did not seal a move away from the club in the summer transfer window.
Speaking to SkySports, Puel rejected speculation that Mahrez has again requested to leave the Foxes.
“I want to keep all my best players and Riyad is an important player in the team for us,” the Frenchman said.
“When I discussed things with him, he had a good attitude and is enjoying his football
“He is happy with the squad, it (a transfer) is speculation but for me it is no problem. He is a happy player and likes to play with his teammates.”
Vardy out of Fleetwood Town match
Leicester face Fleetwood Town in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday. Yet star striker Jamie Vardy is in doubt for the encounter as he is recovering from a groin injury.
'We will see. If he cannot be 100 per cent, we will not risk him,” Puel said.
'He is not training with the team. He is just doing some exercises in the gym. For the moment, it is not good for him.'
Back in 2012, the Foxes paid £1m to Fleetwood for Vardy, who has since gone on to win the Premier League, score 50 top-flight goals, and establish himself as one of England’s most lethal strikers.
Wes Morgan and Danny Simpson will also be absent for the trip to Fleetwood, both because of hamstring injuries.