Leicester City 'want Andros Townsend as Riyad Mahrez replacement'

Leicester City have reportedly lined up Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend as a potential replacement for Riyad Mahrez should he leave the club on deadline day.

Mahrez is understood to have handed in a transfer request at the King Power Stadium amid interest from Manchester City, who have tabled a £55m bid for the Algerian.

Leicester are holding out for a bigger offer for Mahrez, but have begun to consider potential replacements should they lose their star player before the 11pm deadline.

The Daily Mail reports that Townsend would be the Foxes' number one target, although Palace would be reluctant to lose the 26-year-old.

Townsend has played a major role in Palace's climb up the table under manager Roy Hodgson, contributing one goal and six assists for the Eagles so far this season.

Mahrez, meanwhile, is desperate to leave Leicester and is not expected to feature in the club's Premier League clash with Everton this evening.