Leicester identify possible Riyad Mahrez replacement

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Feb 20, 2018. 15:00

Leicester City have reportedly identified a replacement for Riyad Mahrez and will make his signing a priority in the European summer transfer window.

According to Portuguese source O Jogo, the Foxes have recently sent scouts to watch Benfica duo Andre Almeida and Rafa Silva.

While Almeida is a right-back, Silva is a winger and looks set to be the man to replace Mahrez when the Algerian is eventually allowed to leave the King Power Stadium.

Mahrez very nearly joined Manchester City in the January transfer window and it is believed that he will finally be given the green light to leave the former Premier League champions when the current season is closed.

Silva, 24, joined Benfica in 2016 and has made 10 appearances in the Primeira Liga this season. He is also a full Portuguese international, having debuted for the senior side in March 2014 against Cameroon.