Mahrez needed to help Foxes back to Europe

DANNY SIMPSON says Leicester are ready to challenge for a place in Europe next season – if they keep Riyad Mahrez.

‘We liked the Champions League,’ Simpson said. ‘As for the Europa League we’ll see what we can do and see where we finish. We haven’t got the Champions League so we’ll have full weeks to prepare.

‘We’ll see what players come in and what kind of group we have.’

Mahrez, a star of Leicester’s title-winning season, has been linked with Marseille and Paris Saint Germain. But Simpson wants the Algerian to stay. ‘It’s a discussion between him and the club, but he’s a top, one-off talent and I want him to stay.

‘It’s a special group and we have been together for two seasons. Everyone is happy here.’