Tottenham have asked to be kept informed of Riyad Mahrez’s position at Leicester City.

The 26-year-old attacker has asked to leave but Leicester want close to £50million for him. Tottenham would not enter the race seriously unless the price dropped substantially.

The Algeria international score for the Foxes in their Premier League Asia Trophy match with West Brom on Wednesday.

Speaking after the match, manager Craig Shakespeare said he hoped the 26-year-old would stay at the club.

“We want him to stay,” Shakespeare told reporters. “I would like him to stay, as manager.

“As I say, he has stated his case clearly but, while he is here, I need that full commitment.”

Spurs are yet to sign a player and Juan Foyth, the 19-year-old Argentine defender, now looks likely to join Paris St Germain from Estudiantes for about £8m despite holding initial talks with Spurs.

Meanwhile, Spurs target Ross Barkley is also on the radar of Arsenal ahead of his expected departure from Everton next month.

Barkley has long been wanted by Tottenham and is attracted by the idea of joining the club, where Mauricio Pochettino has worked successfully with his England colleagues Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Danny Rose and Eric Dier.