Manchester City 'pull out of Riyad Mahrez deal'

Manchester City have reportedly ended their interest in Leicester City attacker Riyad Mahrez.

On Wednesday afternoon, it was reported that City had made a £65m offer for the Algerian, who is believed to have handed in a transfer request at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday night.

The deal is thought to have included cash plus a player, with City hoping to agree a switch ahead of the close of the winter window.

However, according to Sky Sports News, the Premier League leaders have now pulled out of a deal as they are unwilling to meet Leicester's asking price, which is said to be in excess of £75m.

Mahrez, who has a contract with Leicester until the summer of 2020, has scored eight times and registered seven assists in 24 Premier League appearances this season.