Why Leicester must dodge this £15m Man City bullet and replace Mahrez with a marquee player instead

Talks of Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City in a big money transfer has resurfaced once again. The move was on in the previous transfer window but it did not materialise, which resulted in him being banished for a while before being reinstated into the squad to face Manchester City in February.

This time around, it is highly likely that the 26-year-old will finally have his way, which would see him move to the Etihad. Leicester could capitalise on the situation and sign City youngster Patrick Roberts for a relatively modest fee of £15million.

Roberts is also a left-footed winger who plays on the right and prefers to cut in just like the Algerian, something they both have in common.

The 21-year-old has caught the attention of a number of teams since his pre-season performance against Manchester United. He also scored a stunning solo goal against Juventus in the UEFA Youth League back in 2015, which pretty much put him on the radar.

Having joined Fulham from AFC Wimbledon at the age of 13, Roberts signed his first professional contract shortly after his 17th birthday in February 2014, tying himself to the club until the summer of 2016.

In July 2015, Roberts signed for Manchester City on a long-term deal for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £11million.

The English winger has only made one senior appearance for Manchester City in the league, coming on as a substitute for Sergio Aguero in a 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

He certainly lacks the experience and the ability of Riyad Mahrez but he could be the next big thing, just like the Leicester winger, who broke on to the scenes in exquisite style. It would be too much of an ask for Roberts to replace Mahrez’ at Leicester.

It would be wise of Claude Puel to sign a marquee player to replace Mahrez and ease Patrick Roberts in, as the sole responsibility may just be too much pressure for someone who is still finding his feet in the Premier League.