Leicester City manager Claude Puel has hailed the attitude of Riyad Mahrez, who managed to quickly integrate into the squad following his failed move to Manchester City. The Algeria international was hugely disappointed after the Citizens refused to meet the Foxes’ asking price, and this saw him miss nearly a full week of first-team training.

However, on his return, the Algerian has contributed valuably in the form of goals and assists, which includes a dramatic 97th-minute equaliser against Bournemouth. Speaking prior to the West Brom game, Puel admitted that Mahrez’ situation had affected the morale within the squad, though he refused to blame the Algerian directly for the incident.

He said:"The first game against Everton, it was a strange atmosphere around the team. It was a difficult moment. We lost a good feeling about this game and there were mistakes. Riyad reintegrated quickly and shows a great attitude, that I expected. The player we need. He went through what was a tough time for him. Everyone has welcomed him back. Probably his absence hurt us a bit, with results and confidence, but we are pleased to have him back because he is a top player.”

Mahrez has been yearning for an exit from the King Power Stadium since the summer of 2017, and it looks inevitable that the Foxes will sanction his sale, come the end of the season. Whilst City are likely to reconsider a move for his signature, reports from Italy suggest that the 27-year-old fancies a switch to AS Roma, who failed with multiple bids for his services in July 2017.

The former Le Havre graduate is presently contracted to the Foxes until June 2020, and next summer should present the club with the best opportunity of recouping a significant sum, which they could therefore use to bring in a solid replacement.