Roma sporting director optimistic over pursuit of Leicester's Mahrez

Roma is prepared to break its club transfer record in order to secure Riyad Mahrez's services from Leicester City.

Mahrez has been at the centre of speculation after submitting a transfer request earlier this summer. However, Roma's initial offer fell short of Leicester's valuation, with manager Craig Shakespeare confirming the club rejected a "low bid" from the Italian outfit.

Roma sporting director Monchi confirmed the club is confident over signing Mahrez ahead of the 2017-18 campaign after submitting a club-record bid for the former PFA Player of the Year, but said the club is also exploring alternative options.

"I'm an optimist in all aspects of life," Monchi told reporters, courtesy of the team's website. "Roma is doing everything possible to sign the player. If my memory serves me right, the last offer - that was so widely discussed - would have been the highest transfer fee ever paid by this club. We’re not holding anything back in our attempts to sign the player, but right now we’re not expecting a positive response.

"At the same time, we’re working on other things. The club is close to the limit right now in terms of the effort we’re putting in and I truly believe that the offer we’ve made is a very significant one. Whether we reach an agreement with Leicester, or another team, we will have no regrets.”

Leicester is believed to be willing to part ways with the 26-year-old if it receives a bid worth €55.8 million (£50 million).

Mahrez told Sky Sports last week he's eager to discuss terms with Roma, but confessed there's little he can do as long as Leicester continues to reject advances.

Monchi revealed Roma's offer is worth more than €30 million, bud said he will be proud of his team's efforts even if its pursuit falls short.

"As I’ve said, I’m happy with the efforts the club is putting in to sign the player," he said. "You’ve been here longer than me but I doubt you can recall any offers in excess of €30 million.

"It’s a big offer. As for the will of the player, he’s expressed that publicly but I think he’s also showing respect for his club, as is right. The only solution here is Leicester deciding to accept or reject Roma’s offer."