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Leicester City's Algerian international Riyad Mahrez is being linked with Villarreal. According to this report, the player's agent says Villarreal contacted him "with a formal first approach" concerning the player's availability.
Why it makes sense: He can play on either wing, though I believe mostly features on the right for Leicester. (It would have made more sense when he was playing for Le Havre, though). Plus, his salary is in a range we're comfortable with (€625-650k yearly) and at age 24, he has plenty of upside.
Why it doesn't: Primarily, competition in the wing positions, either from players like Moi and Jona (and maybe Espinosa), or ones we might obtain (like Kakuta, though he plays mostly on the left).
Likelihood of happening: At this point, slightly likely. He does make sense as a transfer target for us, but likelihood of this move will happen will be significantly affected by whether (1) Leicester are relegated from the EPL (they are currently bottom, but only three points waty from safety with games in hand), (2) Cheryshev returns to Madrid or we can work a deal for him; (3) we lose any other winger (Moi to Liverpool, for example).
What do you think?