Leicester face DOUBLE transfer hammer blow as Riyad Mahrez wants to follow N'Golo Kante out

Leicester managed to fend off Arsenal when they made a £20m move for star striker Jamie Vardy.

But they have been less successful with Kante, and now face losing PFA Player of the Year Mahrez too, despite offering the Algerian a bumper new deal.

PA

Mahrez was honoured by his fellow PFA members for starring in Leicester's title triumph

Conte will now turn his attention to bringing in a central defender and is also after a second striker. Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, Everton’s John Stones and Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci are among the Blues’ centre-back targets.

Chelsea also have a £25m offer on the table for Santos’ Brazilian wonderkid striker Gabriel Barbosa.

Meanwhile, Diego Costa has reiterated his desire to leave Chelsea but has reluctantly accepted Conte’s decision to keep him – for now – and vowed to be on his best behaviour while he remains at the club.

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Wantaway Costa is ready to accept Chelsea don't want to sell him and knuckle down

Conte made retaining the striker one of his priorities when he was appointed in April.

But despite the former Italy coach's attempts to convince Costa that his long-term future lies at Stamford Bridge, the Spain international has told friends that he still has his heart set on a return to Atletico Madrid.

The fiery frontman has, though, insisted he won’t kick up a fuss and agitate for a move because of his respect for the Blues.