Claudio Ranieri has challenged Riyad Mahrez to maintain the form which has prompted the Leicester City boss to describe him as a "magician" ahead of Saturday's trip to Bournemouth.

Mahrez has already scored four goals this season to help the Foxes to seven points from their opening three games, and Ranieri insists that he has not been surprised by the Algerian's performances.

"I'm not that surprised how well he has done because he is a magician," the Leicester boss told reporters.

"Something can happen at any moment when he is on the ball. His hardest job now is to maintain the kind of form he's been showing.

"I think he could well be the August Player of the Month if he can continue the way he is going against Bournemouth."

Mahrez signed a new four-year deal with the club earlier this month.