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Islam Slimani may have to leave Leicester this month, says Claude Puel

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Claude Puel says Leicester City are not any closer to signing a new player

Leicester manager Claude Puel admits striker Islam Slimani may have to leave the club this January transfer window to find regular game time.

Sky Sports News understands Besiktas want to sign Slimani - Leicester's club-record £29m signing - with talks regarding the potential sale of the Algerian ongoing.

The 29-year-old has started only one Premier League game since September scoring just five goals in all competitions this season, and Puel believes Leicester's depth of attacking options may force Slimani to move on.

"For Slimani, I cannot give all the ties about an individual player," he said.

Islam Slimani scores Leicester's second goal with a chip over Jonas Lossl
Image: Slimani has made 17 appearances in all competitions this season

"I repeat, that since the beginning, that we have a lot of strikers. We need to make a good balance for the team, to give game time for all the players.

"We will see if some players can win some game time at other clubs but we have to discuss with these players."

One attacker who will not be leaving Leicester, according to the Frenchman, is Riyad Mahrez following reported interest from Liverpool and Arsenal.

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Puel, who previously said the Algerian could be worth £100m in the summer transfer window, reiterated that the winger is happy at the King Power Stadium.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01:  Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City
Image: Riyad Mahrez has seven goals and seven assists in the Premier League this season

He said: "For Mahrez, there is nothing new to say about Riyad. It's always the same thing, always the same response.

"I'm happy with him, he's enjoying his football and he's enjoying playing with his team-mates - this is the most important thing.

"We can see his performance in games; he's a very good player and he likes his club and team-mates. It's a good feeling for him."

Regarding potential incomings at Leicester, Puel said nothing was imminent but a deal could be struck if a player of interest became available.

Leicester City's French manager Claude Puel gestures during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Leicester at Anfield in Liverpo
Image: Puel was coy on Leicester's transfer activity

"No, we are not close for the moment to signing other players," the 56-year-old said. "I think we work normally in this transfer window and it's important to keep our focus about our transfer window.

"I think it's important to keep this squad because it's fantastic and it has a positive attitude.

"Of course if we can improve the squad we will sign a player but for the moment it's not like this."

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