Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has confirmed Riyad Mahrez won’t be following N’Golo Kante to Chelsea.
Mahrez was spotted checking into the Chelsea team hotel earlier this week to spark rumours a deal was on the cards.
Blues manager Antonio Conte was at the venue at the same time, sending the rumour mill into overdrive , although there was no evidence to suggest the pair met up.
Champions Leicester waved goodbye to energetic midfielder Kante this summer as he joined Conte’s Stamford Bridge revolution in a £30million deal.
However, there is to be no reunion for the Foxes team-mates in west London after Ranieri poured cold water over the reports.
“He will stay with us, we want to keep all of our players,” Ranieri confirmed.
“Chelsea paid Kante’s clause, but Mahrez doesn’t have a clause so he will stay. Yes, he told me he will stay with us.”
Leicester owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha has consistently maintained last year’s PFA Player of the Year would not be sold.
The Thai business has backed manager Ranieri by negotiating new contracts with Kasper Schmeichel, Wes Morgan and Jamie Vardy.
And now the Italian manager has followed suit by committing his future to the Leicester cause this morning.
"The energy that exists here - from the owners and the staff, to the players and supporters - is something very special," he explained.
"Last season, that spirit and our hard work helped us to achieve something magical.
“If we can continue to work hard, maintain our passion and continue to fight with all our hearts, I am sure we can continue to be successful together."
Ranieri's side won last season's title at odds of 5,000-1, and will be seeded for the Champions League draw later this month.
