Former Premier League player Kevin Kilbane believes Riyad Mahrez was mentally upset following his failed move to Manchester City on transfer deadline day. The Algeria international emerged as a surprise target for the Citizens during the backend of the winter transfer window, but ultimately he had to stay put with Leicester City, who demanded in excess for his services.

In a report covered by Off The Ball, Kilbane spoke about the mental condition of players, who have undergone disappointment, and feels it is difficult for them to show up in training irrespective of the wages on offer, he said: "If [Mahrez] is not in the mental state to [train and play], the discussion has got to be had on who he’s going to see from a mental point of view – counselling could be an option for him.

"I’m sure most people would say “He’s just got to get on with it, he’s being paid x amount of money a week, don’t even worry about it.” But there are more complex factors within a sports person’s mind. I’ve come across it, I’ve experienced it myself in the past, and I know the work the PFA do to try and help out at different levels."

Mahrez had taken an indefinite break of eight days following the incident, before making a surprise return to training ahead of the Foxes' game versus Manchester City this weekend. Foxes boss Claude Puel suggested that Mahrez would not feature in the upcoming outing at the Etihad Stadium, and it will be interesting to see whether he includes the Algerian in his matchday squad.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Mahrez has been offered assurances that he would be leaving the King Power Stadium in the summer after failing to secure an exit in each of the previous two transfer windows. The east Midlands outfit have demand a surplus amount for the Algerian on each occasion, but they may have to lower their expectations to enhance the attacker's exit in five months' time.