Report: City close to signing Mahrez, Jorginho

Manchester City is apparently close to spending over £100 million on a pair of signings as manager Pep Guardiola begins his quest to defend the Premier League title.

Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez and Napoli midfielder Jorginho are on the verge of joining Manchester City in deals that could be announced by the end of next week, reports BBC Sport's Simon Stone.

Mahrez, whom City attempted to sign during the January transfer window, is expected to cost £60 million, while Napoli will accept a fee in the region of £42 million.

City made a late push to sign Mahrez after he submitted a transfer request. However, the club walked away after Leicester slapped a £95-million price tag on the player.

The failed pursuit led to a dispute between Mahrez and Leicester, with the player sitting out a handful of training sessions in the days that followed City's approach. After his self-imposed exile, Mahrez returned to the bench ahead of Leicester City's clash with Manchester City less than two weeks after the transfer saga.

"I was away from here because I needed some time to think. It was a difficult situation," Mahrez explained in February after things settled down.

"Manchester City is a good move for everyone but it is the past. It is behind me."

Mahrez was named PFA Players' Player of the Year during Leicester City's Premier League-winning campaign in 2016.

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Jorginho emerged as a target for City in April, with reports suggesting the deep-lying playmaker would cost as much as £50 million. It appears that City will get their man for somewhat of a bargain, and Jorginho will be tasked with filling the void left by Yaya Toure.

Guardiola said he was impressed by the Italian's style after City clashed with Napoli in the Champions League group stage. Jorginho managed to score against City in November.

City won the Premier League title last season in record-breaking fashion by finishing 19-points clear of rival Manchester United.