Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri uses Twitter Q&A to reveal Riyad Mahrez has signed new Foxes contract

Foxes boss is engaging in a Q&A session with the club's supporters on Twitter

(Getty)

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has used an online Q&A to announce that Riyad Mahrez has signed a new contract until 2019.

The Algeria international is a popular figure among King Power Stadium regulars after scoring four goals last season as the Foxes secured their Premier League status.

Mahrez joined Leicester for a minimal fee from French club Le Havre in January 2014 before providing a unique blend of flair and industry to help his new club to the Championship title.

The 24-year-old has since represented his country at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ranieri took to Twitter as part of the club's attempts to generate excitement ahead of the new season and to advertise their new Twitter handle, @LCFC. The new Foxes boss also revealed Wes Morgan will remain as club captain before saying 1990 hit 'Ghost' is his favourite English language film.

The Italian was asked a host of questions by the Leicester supporters, many of whom asked for updates on the club's transfer activity, just three days before the opening match of the campaign against Sunderland.

One of the more offbeat questions came in the form of one supporter's query: "What do you call a cob in Italy?"

The former Chelsea and Inter Milan manager responded: "In Rome, it's called a 'rossetta'!" In Milan, a 'micchetta'."

Leicester have been criticised for sacking Nigel Pearson this summer, with many now predicting a tough season ahead for Ranieri upon his return to English football.

But the 63-year-old surprised pundits and supporters alike when, in his debut press conference last month, he announced his desire to take the Foxes into the Europa League.

The Q&A session was held on Leicester City's official Twitter page, @LCFC.