Leicester star emerges as shock Barcelona target

Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez has emerged as a potential target for Spanish champions Barcelona ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Algeria international had played a huge part for the Foxes during the previous campaign as his 17 goals helped them clinch a maiden and historic league title.

Mahrez has, however, failed to match his credentials this season, and his tally of five goals from 26 outings have questioned his ability to progress year by year.

The Telegraph claims that Barcelona are interested in a summer approach for the 26-year-old, who has shown signs of his old self ever since Claudio Ranieri was dismissed from his position.

Mahrez had been the subject of a £35m move from Premier League giants Arsenal last summer before he opted to pen a new long-term deal with the Foxes.

But he is prepared to leave the club this time around with Barcelona willing to offer him a route back to the Champions League next season.

Leicester City, who still have an outside chance of lifting the elite competition, are likely to demand a fee in excess of £40m to offload Mahrez this summer.