Would Tottenham Hotspur signing Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez be final straw for Erik Lamela?

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Erik Lamela has returned to first-team training for Spurs – but Tottenham manager Pochettino’s interest in Leicester City winger Mahrez provides a fresh challenge.

Rarely has a player’s reputation, or form for that matter, fluctuated quite like that of Riyad Mahrez.

PFA Player of the Year as Leicester City basked in the glory of a remarkable Premier League winning campaign in 2016, the Algerian winger found himself lacking serious suitors from outside of Rome last summer, when he made clear that he wanted to jump ship from the King Power.

That was the consequence of a disastrous second season which saw Mahrez’s influence drop as Leicester tumbled down the table.

According to The Mirror, Mahrez could finally be handed his ‘big break’ in January. North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly ready to go head-to-head in what could be a bitter feud for Mahrez’s signature.

The report claims that Spurs wanted the £30 million-rated winger in 2016, but Leicester refused to sell. Things could be different now, however, as The Foxes aim to shake up a side that has started the season suggesting they could slip into another relegation dogfight.

Though it should not be forgotten that Tottenham already have a left-footed right winger in their squad – one whose future at Spurs will come under increased scrutiny with Mauricio Pochettino hoping to add Mahrez to his already talented attack.

Another nail in Lamela’s coffin?

Forgotten man Erik Lamela hasn’t been seen in Spurs colours since an EFL Cup defeat to Liverpool almost a year ago, thanks to seemingly endless injury problems. With the Argentine finally returning to first-team training this week, however, there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel.

If Mahrez rocks up in North London in January, however, Lamela’s revival could be ended almost before it even begins.

It’s hard enough for the former Roma starlet to force his way back into Spurs’ side with Christian Eriksen, and even Moussa Sissoko impressing in his absence. Ironically, it won’t be fitness that keeps Lamela out of the team if Spurs land Mahrez in January.