Leicester City interim manager Craig Shakespeare has claimed that Riyad Mahrez is happy with the Foxes despite speculation that he wants to leave at the end of the season.
The Daily Telegraph reported on Tuesday that the 26-year-old playmaker is expecting to leave the King Power Stadium in the summer, with Tottenham and Arsenal set to battle it out for his signature.
The report detailed that Mahrez expects Leicester to uphold an agreement he made with ex-manager Claudio Ranieri last summer, which would make the £30million-rated winger available for transfer in the upcoming window.
However, current Foxes boss Shakespeare has squashed that speculation by stating the Algeria international is happy where he is and that he is not aware of any proposed agreement to leave.
“He was the same Riyad today, smiling, enjoying training,” Shakespeare said, as quoted by the Leicester Mercury on Twitter. “He is under contract and happy here.
“I am not aware of any gentleman’s agreement. If they are in place, then we need to be aware of it.”
CS on Mahrez: “I am not aware of any gentleman’s agreement. If they are in place, then we need to be aware of it.” #LCFC
— LCFC Live (@LiveLCFC) May 11, 2017
The Telegraph report explained that Spurs made an enquiry for Mahrez in January and are looking for a skilful wide player in the summer.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side look set to fall just short of the Premier League title as leaders Chelsea can clinch the crown if they beat West Brom away on Friday night.
They have dominated most teams in the division with their exceptional attacking players, but do perhaps lack natural width up front.
Mahrez would certainly help solve that problem and the right winger has proven himself to be a quality player in the top flight.
The maestro helped Leicester win the Premier League title last season in remarkable fashion and was crowned the PFA Player of the Year after his stellar performances.
His form has dipped slightly this year alongside Leicester’s, but he has still managed 10 goals and seven assists across all competitions.