Manchester City have pulled the plug on a deal to sign Leicester star Riyad Mahrez, reports Sky Sports.
Mahrez emerged as a shock target for Pep Guardiola’s side following news Leroy Sane would be sidelined for nearly two months.
City had two offers rejected by Leicester in the region of £55m before tabling their final bid of £65m in addition to an unnamed player on Wednesday afternoon.
However, Guardiola’s side have now ended their pursuit of the Algeria international, which suggests Leicester turned down their final bid.
The Foxes were open to selling the 26-year-old on deadline day but were holding out for nearer £100m, which would have required City to shatter their club transfer record.
Mahrez, who handed in a transfer request on Tuesday, failed to turn up for a team meeting on Wednesday and Leicester are reportedly unaware of his whereabouts ahead of tonight’s clash with Everton.
Leicester will not have taken kindly to the aggressive way City have pursued Mahrez as it has turned the head of their star player and left Claude Puel needing to fix a delicate situation.
The Algerian winger has returned to his best form on the pitch this season, playing a direct hand in a Premier League goal every 130 minutes of action (eight goals, seven assists).
