France Football: Mahrez snubs Leicester for Barça

France Football: Mahrez snubs Leicester for Barça

Riyad Mahrez has been tracked by Barça for quite some time and the player's latest gesture appears to be a definitive sign that he could move to the Camp Nou this summer.

According to France Football and The Guardian, Mahrez has rejected the proposed contract extension offer from current club Leicester City, with the Algerian still tied to the Foxes until June 2019.

The reigning Premier League champions want to ensure that the core of their title-winning squad remains intact, but fears are now surfacing after N'Golo Kante's move to Chelsea that could result in an exodus of players for Claudio Ranieri.

Leicester offered Mahrez six million euros net per season, but it seems that it hasn't been enough to convince the 2016 Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year winner to extend his stay at the King Power Stadium.

Barça had a transfer budget of 60 million euros plus eight for the sale of Marc Bartra. Following the purchase of Denis Suarez (3.25 million), Lucas Digne (16.5 million) and Samuel Umtiti (25 million), the Catalan club's remaining budget is between 23 and 25 million euros - as recognised by Barça's vice president, Jordi Mestre.

Mestre has also left the door open for another big name acquisition "if the market provides a good opportunity".

On the other hand, Mahrez has shown on more than one occasion his desire to play alongside the stars of Barça, saying in February that "everyone wants to someday play with Lionel Messi".