Transfer news: Barcelona lead Chelsea and Spurs in battle for Leicester star Riyad Mahrez

BARCELONA are leading Chelsea and Tottenham in the battle for Leicester star Riyad Marhez, according to reports in France.

Riyad MahrezGETTY

Barcelona lead Riyad Mahrez chase

Mahrez was released by the Algeria camp last night to sort out a move away from Leicester, per the Algerian FA Twitter account.

And according to French outlet L’Equipe, the 26-year-old winger could be heading to any one of Barcelona, Chelsea or Tottenham on deadline day.

The report claims Mahrez was released by the Algerian national team to arrive in Paris in case he needs to travel quickly for a medical.

While Get French Football News adds that Barcelona are leading the Premier League duo in the race for Mahrez’s signature.

Barcelona leading chase for Leicester star Riyad Mahrez

Mahrez has played in every league game for Leicester this season, providing two assists in his three outings.

But Foxes manager Craig Shakespeare is aware that Mahrez is keen to join a top-six club before the window shuts.

“He wants to play for a top-six club," Shakespeare said earlier this month. “If we don’t get an offer from a top-six club, he stays.

“If that offer comes in and it’s not enough, he stays. It is quite clear for me at the moment, he has made that statement but he is our player.”

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?