Leicester's Mahrez leaves Algeria camp in bid to seal move

LONDON – 31 August 2017 – Leicester City forward Riyad Mahrez has been allowed to leave the Algeria training camp to "formalise" a transfer on deadline day, the Algerian Football Federation said on Thursday.

Mahrez, a key member of Leicester's Premier League title-winning side in 2015-16 when he was voted PFA Player of the Year, has been the subject of bids from Italian club Roma.

Several Premier League clubs are also likely to be keen to sign the 26-year-old, who has scored 35 goals for Leicester since arriving from French club Le Havre in 2014.

A statement from the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) said Mahrez, preparing for World Cup qualifiers against Zambia, had been allowed to travel back to Europe.

"Mahrez was authorized by the national coach, Mr. Lucas Alcaraz, and the FAF to make an express trip to Europe to formalise his transfer to his new club," a statement said.

"The selection will therefore fly without him Thursday morning to Lusaka to face Zambia on Saturday."

Mahrez has played in all three of Leicester's Premier League matches so far this season.

The English transfer window closes at 2200 GMT on Thursday.