A stunning season for the Algeria international has earned him many admirers, but after he flirted with talk of a move to Barca, his boss fired a warning at him
Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has warned Riyad Mahrez to forget about joining Barcelona - or face the axe from his starting line-up.
The 25-year-old has played a pivotal role in his side's terrific campaign, hitting 14 league goals as the Foxes lead second-placed Tottenham by two points in the chase for an unlikely Premier League title.
Mahrez has attracted the interest of many admirers, including reports of a potential move to Barca, and refused to rule out speculation linking him to the Liga giants during an interview with Goal
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Yet ahead of a vital clash with Norwich City on Saturday as the Foxes look to bounce back from a defeat to Arsenal, Ranieri fired a warning for the Algeria international to remain focused.
He told reporters: "If Riyad plays as well as Riyad [can play], he continues to play.
"When I see Riyad think about other teams he [can] come with me on the bench."
Leicester sit at the top of the Premier League table with 12 games remaining.**
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- Goal**