Wednesday 7 February 2018 14:08, UK
The Professional Footballers' Association has offered to mediate between Riyad Mahrez and Leicester City following the Algeria winger's continued absence from training.
The PFA offered assistance last week but Mahrez and the club have yet to take up the offer from the players' union. The PFA is continuing to monitor the on-going issue of absence from training.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw against Swansea last weekend, Leicester boss Claude Puel said the situation surrounding Mahrez is not uppermost in his thoughts.
"Riyad is not my preoccupation," Puel said. "My preoccupation is about my available players and to keep them in a positive attitude and to continue this good work."
Former England striker Ian Wright condemned Mahrez's recent actions but admitted he is stunned Leicester failed to cash in on the winger, who reportedly cost the club £350,000 when he signed from Le Havre in 2014.
"It's very unprofessional the way he [Mahrez] is dealing with it," Wright told The Debate on Sky Sports.
"It's blatantly obvious for everyone to see. You can't just down tools because you don't get what you want.
"I still can't understand why Leicester, who bought him for £400,000, wouldn't want to cash in on that asset who does not now want to play for the club."
Algeria head coach Rabah Madjer has said he understands Mahrez's desire to ply his trade at a higher level but urged the 26-year-old to return training.
"Mahrez currently deserves better than Leicester. But we must not forget that it was Leicester who put him on the right track," Madjer told Goal.
"I think a serious conversation with his board is needed. He wants to go to a bigger club in the English league. I do not know what really happened about his transfer.
"Me, I advise him to resume training and work hard, even if the transfer has not been resolved."
Leicester play Manchester City on Saturday though it remains unclear whether Mahrez will feature against Pep Guardiola's league leaders.
