Claudio Ranieri: 'Riyad Mahrez wants to stay at Leicester City'

Riyad Mahrez celebrates scoring Leicester's second from the penalty spot against Everton on December 19, 2015
© Getty Images
Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri insists that Riyad Mahrez is happy at the club and wants to stay despite speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea.

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has insisted that Riyad Mahrez is happy at the club and wants to stay despite speculation linking him with a move away.

The 25-year-old was one of the stars of Leicester's remarkable Premier League title success last season, with his performances earning him the PFA Player of the Year Award.

Such form had led to speculation that he would leave the club, with the likes of Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid rumoured to be interested, but Ranieri is confident that Mahrez will stay.

"I think everybody here is happy and it's finished, the market is finished," Ranieri told Sky Sports News after his side's 2-1 victory over Oxford United.

When asked whether Mahrez had spoken to Ranieri about his future, the Italian added: "Yes, he wants to stay."

Mahrez, who scored 17 Premier League goals for Leicester last season, was reportedly valued at £45m by the champions.

Claudio Ranieri and his Leicester City players celebrate with the Premier League trophy on May 7, 2016
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