Barcelona attempted to sign Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City over the summer, Roma's director of football has claimed.
Giallorossi chief Monchi said that the Spanish giants rivalled his side for the Algeria international's signature during the last transfer window.
"We wanted a left-footed winger to replace Mohamed Salah and put it all on Mahrez, but the only reason he didn't come was because the club wouldn't sell," The Mirror quotes the Roma chief as saying.
"It's not an excuse, they said no to Barcelona too."
Leicester were able to retain Mahrez's services as none of his suitors were able to match the Foxes' £50m valuation.
