Nantes coach Claudio Ranieri is backing Roma's move for Riyad Mahrez.

Ranieri worked with Mahrez at Leicester City.

“He's a great player, but one who needs to be loved, taken by the hand and embraced by the Roma fans," Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia.

“If he has that kind of atmosphere around him, then he can show all the wonderful talent at his disposal."

Roma have failed with a bid for Mahrez in the last week.