Mahrez Turns Down The Chance to Join Tottenham

Riyad Mahrez reportedly turned down the chance to join Tottenham Hotspurs in the January transfer window to focus on Leicester City, who face relegation.

Tottenham reportedly made an attempt to sign the City winger but was assured that the Algerian was not available for any fee.

The English Premier League defending champions have performed lower than expected following a triumphant 2015-16 season, and a continued demise may convince Mahrez to seek a move.

Mahrez who had an average show at the just concluded AFCON games in Gabon with the Desert Foxes exiting in the group stages has deteriorated this season from 17 goals and 11 assists to just eight and three, respectively.

However, of those goals, the 25-year-old has managed to thrive in the Champions League with 5 goals to his name showing he is still as effective, despite the dial down in the domestic league.

Claudio Ranieri aware of Mahrez’s current form said, “He is not in good form now and I wanted to stimulate him.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”I didn’t see him do well during the training sessions and he must give more for the team. I want more.”[/perfectpullquote]

Arsenal was also once in contention for the playmaker’s signature last summer, but Mahrez instead chose to renew his contract with City that keeps him until 2020, in hopes of a repeat of another trophy.