Leroy Sane has been ruled out for up to seven weeks with an ankle injury and City, still competing in four competitions, could now turn to the Algeria international.

And in the wake of news of City's interest, both the BBC and Sky Sports reported that Mahrez handed in a transfer request to Leicester.

City have already broken their club record by completing the signing of Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte and would need to break it again to sign Mahrez.

Pep Guardiola told a news conference there was a "95 percent or 99 percent chance" that City would do no further business in January.

And sources said the club have not ruled a late move for 26-year-old Mahrez, who could cost more than £60 million, and also remain interested in Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian midfielder Fred.

Defender Eliaquim Mangala could be on his way out, with Newcastle, West Ham and Valencia all looking to complete a move before the window closes, sources said.