23:35

Claude Puel has claimed Riyad Mahrez’s Leicester City team-mates will help him smile again and “enjoy his football” following his thwarted attempts to join Manchester City on deadline day. Mahrez was absent as Leicester were beaten at Everton and his club priced the Premier League leaders out of a deal for the Algeria international. But, despite submitting the second transfer request of his Leicester career, Puel insisted Mahrez would be welcomed back into the fold without question.

The Leicester manager said: “We know the situation and we can understand Riyad’s reaction of course. It’s a difficult situation for Riyad and for the club. I think it was harsh for us, difficult for me, for the squad, for the player. But of course I have confidence in the owner taking a good decision for the future and after we will see with Riyad when he can come back with us. All of the players and the staff will help him to come back with a smile and to enjoy his football. He is a fantastic player and a good man. Of course, for the moment I need to speak with Riyad because a lot has happened.”