Manchester City took the first step in their attempt to sign Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City a week before the January transfer window shut, according to a report.
The 26-year-old was accused of going on strike after missing out on a switch to the Etihad Stadium late last month, only returning for the Foxes' loss to the Citizens last weekend.
Leicester boss Claude Puel has accused Man City of 'lacking respect' in the way they went about their business, but Sky Sports News claims that the Foxes never once informed Pep Guardiola's men that Mahrez was not for sale.
Both Man City and the Algerian winger were ultimately left disappointed, though, as a move failed to materialise before the window closed for business.
Mahrez is now in contention to return to Leicester's starting lineup to face Sheffield United in the FA Cup on Friday night.
