Leicester City cash in as 4-1 rout boosts Premier League prize money

Leicester City finished eighth in the Premier League, the highest position possible prior to kick-off on the final day of the season against Southampton, to land a £4.4m bonus.

Goals from Ayoze Perez (x2), James Maddison and Jamie Vardy ensured Brendan Rodgers' men ran out 4-1 winners as other results went their way on the day.

Wolves' 3-1 defeat at Liverpool opened up eighth place for City, who capitalised with an impressive performance at the King Power Stadium. As a result, City will earn £28.6m in merit payments from the Premier League.

Defeat against the Saints would have seen City end the season in 10th, which would have brought a £24.2m merit payment as each place in the table is worth £2.2m.

City filed a loss of over £30m in their most recent accounts so every place in the table had increased importance this term. Another heavy loss is forecast for next year.

Heading into the summer transfer window, spending might be tight. Several players could leave, including Ayoze Perez, Caglar Soyuncu, Jannik Vestergaard, Hamza Choudhury and Dennis Praet.

City want to sign a left-sided central defender, a creative midfielder and a right winger. That is part of a "healthy refresh" that Rodgers is eyeing up after three-and-a-half years with the club.

Ademola Lookman, who has played the final game of his loan spell from RB Leipzig, would cost £14m but Rodgers has already said he will "have to wait" to see if it is something the club can do financially.