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The Professional Footballers' Association has said it remains willing to help Riyad Mahrez and Leicester end their standoff. The players' union is continuing to have a watching brief having offered its assistance in the ongoing issue of Mahrez' absence from training. Press Association Sport reported that a call went in last week and while Leicester acknowledged and valued the PFA offer, neither the club nor Mahrez have yet taken it up. Mahrez missed training again on Tuesday having handed in a transfer request to try to force a deadline-day move to Manchester City. The Foxes travel to City on Saturday with Mahrez expected to miss the game, having sat out the last two matches. Leicester hope to resolve the issue internally and are prepared to give the Algeria international time to reintegrate into the squad. They will hold talks with Mahrez's representatives but will not rush the former PFA Player of the Year back. A "close friend" of the 26-year-old has been quoted saying the winger was depressed after the failed move and it has changed the dynamic of discussions. Mahrez wanted to leave the King Power Stadium last month, handing in another transfer request following an initial one in the summer. But Leicester stood firm on their valuation and eventually asked Manchester City for £80 million cash. City's final offer was £50m plus an unnamed player who they valued at £15m. Mahrez also only signed an improved four-year deal in 2016 after helping the Foxes, under Claudio Ranieri, to a shock Premier League title. He stayed for their Champions League campaign, where they reached the quarterfinals, but now wants to leave. Mahrez has missed the 2-1 defeat to Everton and last weekend's 1-1 draw with Swansea.
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