Manchester City have offered Riyad Mahrez a new short-term contract, according to a report from French outlet Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Serial winner

Signed for a then club-record £60million fee from Leicester City in 2018 (Sky Sports), Mahrez has been a superb servant to the Blues under Pep Guardiola.

The 31-year-old has amassed a staggering 109 direct goal contributions in 189 outings for the club, playing an integral role in three Premier League title successes, three Carabao Cup wins and one English FA Cup triumph in the process.

On the cusp of entering the final 12 months of a deal at the Etihad (Transfermarkt), the City hierarchy are now believed to have taken steps to ensure the Algerian stays beyond 2023...

The latest: Talks 'progressed'

As per Foot Mercato, translated by SW, City chiefs have 'progressed' in their discussions with Mahrez.

It's claimed that Txiki Begiristain and Co have offered the 75-cap Algeria star a 'short-term contract' to stay in Manchester as Guardiola 'absolutely doesn’t want to part ways'.

The report also states that 'there is optimism' a resolution can be found from those 'close to the English club’s board'.

the man once hailed for his 'special quality' by the City boss following a brace in a 4-1 FA Cup victory over Fulham earlier this year.

The verdict: Get it done!

After yet another standout season for Mahrez containing a remarkable 24 goals and nine assists across 47 appearances in all competitions, extending a player of the Algerian's calibre in situ is a necessity for the club.

With speculation continuing to link Raheem Sterling with a move away, keeping the man hailed for his 'special quality' by the City boss following a brace in a 4-1 FA Cup victory over Fulham becomes even more vital.

Clearly a player still possessing immense quality, Mahrez - who was branded a 'nightmare for defenders' by former City ace Nedum Onuoha - has plenty to offer next season and could forge a prolific partnership with Erling Haaland in the quest for yet more silverware in what has already been an illustrious career.