Algeria head coach Rabah Madjer has insisted that AWOL winger Riyad Mahrez "deserves better than Leicester City", having failed with his latest attempt to leave the club.

Mahrez handed in a second transfer request in the space of two transfer windows last month in a bid to force through a move to Manchester City, who were ultimately unwilling to match his valuation on deadline day.

The 26-year-old has stayed away from the Foxes' training ground over the past week after being left 'disappointed' by the collapsed move, and he has not been used in City's last two matches.

Speaking to Goal.com, Madjer claimed that Mahrez deserves to join a club of bigger stature, but has urged the player to first return to training.

"Mahrez deserves better than Leicester. But we must not forget that it was Leicester who put him on the right track," he said. "I think a serious conversation with his board is needed.

"He wants to go to a bigger club in the English league. I do not know what really happened about his transfer. Me, I advise him to resume training and work hard, even if the transfer has not been resolved."

Mahrez, who is reportedly valued at around £75m by Leicester, has nine goals and seven assists in 27 appearances this term.