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'Roma did everything possible' to buy Leicester's Riyad Mahrez - Monchi

Roma sporting director Monchi says the club are looking at other targets after failing to agree terms with Leicester over the transfer of Riyad Mahrez.

Mahrez expressed an interest to speak to Roma about a move but said it was first up to the club to receive a suitable offer.

Monchi appeared to confirm Roma had bid €30 million for the winger but Leicester are holding out for more.

"I'm optimistic by nature, but the truth is that Roma did everything possible to buy the player," Monchi said.

"He would have been the most expensive player in Roma's history, but up until now we haven't received any positive feedback from the other side.

"The offer we made was an important one, but the priority isn't just Mahrez because we've done everything necessary and now we're looking around for other players."

On whether Roma would raise their offer, he said: "I'm satisfied with the effort the club has made to sign the player. I don't think any other club has bid over €30m, as Roma did.

"The player expressed what he wants publicly, but it's right that we respect his club.

"In the end everything will be resolved in the will or desire of whether or not Leicester want to sell the player."

Reports in Italy on Tuesday claimed Juventus were interested in signing Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman, but Monchi said that was not the case.

"I haven't had any kind of contact with Juventus," Monchi said. "We're solely focused on building the team. We're focused on completing the squad with a winger and I don't think there's anything more to be said.