Where is Riyad Mahrez? Leicester star not with Algeria, dreams of Barcelona transfer

Mahrez was given special dispensation to leave the Algeria national team yesterday ahead of their World Cup 2018 qualifier against Zambia on Saturday.

The former PFA player of the year was spotted in Paris yesterday morning and was rumoured to be in Barcelona at one point on deadline day.

A video emerged last night appearing to show a glum looking Mahrez walking with a suitcase and rucksack outside an airport.

Algeria have announced they expect Mahrez back with them tonight ahead of their game in Lusaka, Zambia tomorrow.

But Mahrez could yet complete a stunning switch to Barcelona, with the Spanish transfer window not shutting until midnight tonight.

Sky Sports say Leicester do not expect him to return to the club until the middle of next week.

Mahrez handed in a transfer request at Leicester in May, but promised to stay and fight for his place if no move materialised.

He has been good to his word, starting Leicester’s first three Premier League games of the season and providing two assists.

But Leicester have received no bids for Mahrez since turning down Roma’s £32millon offer almost a month ago.

The Foxes have valued the 26-year-old at £50m, with reports yesterday claiming Leicester had accepted a £45m bid proving premature.

Sky Sports add Mahrez’s dream destination is Barcelona and while he would love a move to the Nou Camp the Spanish giants are unlikely to make a late bid.

Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United were all linked with Mahrez but the winger now looks likely to stay at the King Power Stadium this season.