Brendan Rodgers verdict hints at summer transfer consideration as PSV hit with big injury blow

Ademola Lookman impressed manager Brendan Rodgers again to take another step towards earning a permanent switch to Leicester City.

The on-loan winger was handed his first start in nine matches against Crystal Palace and took his chance, collecting Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s pass and firing past Vicente Guaita to open the scoring. Lookman has now moved his goal tally to seven for the season and is closing in on the double-figure mark that Rodgers challenged him to reach last month.

But beyond that, Rodgers was also extremely pleased by his off-the-ball work in the victory over Palace, Lookman buying into the high-pressing style the manager wants from his City side. With the summer closing in, conversations at the club about Lookman’s future, and a potential permanent transfer from RB Leipzig, will become more frequent, and Rodgers’ high praise suggests he is under serious consideration.

“I thought he was excellent,” Rodgers said after the 2-1 victory on Sunday. “I think that with Ade, he’s been unfortunate, because Barnesy’s played on the left side, so I’ve had to play him on the right. But it’s pretty clear the level he gets to on the left side is higher than the right." Read more from Rodgers on Lookman here.

PSV Eindhoven are expected to be without Noni Madueke for Thursday’s Europa Conference League clash against Leicester City.

City travel to the Netherlands in what is a winner takes all game after the 0-0 draw at the King Power Stadium last week. A win for City will see them face either Bodo/Glimt or AS Roma in the semi-final of the competition.

One of the most talked-about players ahead of last week’s first leg was winger Madueke, who has been linked with a move to the King Power Stadium. The England U21