- Claude Puel confident Riyad Mahrez will stay at Leicester this month
- Algerian has been touted as potential target for Liverpool and Arsenal
- Leicester recently put £100million price-tag on the playmaker
- SEE MORE: Real Madrid president meets with agent over Liverpool transfer – reports
Claude Puel has slashed at already slim chances of Riyad Mahrez leaving Leicester City during the January transfer window.
The Foxes’ manager is seemingly confident that his star player will stay put despite speculation linking him to both Liverpool and Arsenal.
Mahrez had emerged as a possible replacement for Philippe Coutinho following his £142million move to Barcelona, although Liverpool were quick to contact Leicester directly to dismiss reported interest.
Rumours have since failed to disappear no thanks to the nature of the transfer window refusing to accept that the Reds won’t strengthen after Coutinho’s departure.
If Jurgen Klopp does seek to bolster his squad, it’s unlikely to be through Mahrez.
“He’s enjoying playing for Leicester with his team-mates,” Puel said, as reported by the Mirror.
“This is the most important thing – we have this good feeling that the player wants to stay with us. It is important for us to keep a good feeling with our player.”
Claiming Mahrez is keen on remaining at the King Power Stadium seems bold given his notable desire to leave in the summer.
The 26-year-old has rediscovered his top form under Puel this season and has every right to deem himself as deserving of a chance to play European football.
Were it not for his £100million price-tag, he would mark a logical target for the Reds as they seek to replace Coutinho’s vision and invention.
As it stands, though, it’s unlikely another high calibre signing will follow Virgil van Dijk through the door at Anfield.