Third-choice goalkeeper is still the target

LEICESTER City remain on the hunt for a third-choice goalkeeper in order to get Jakub Stolarczyk out on loan, writes Jordan Blackwell.

City have not brought in any new players this summer, while their only two senior departures have been keepers, with Eldin Jakupovic released and Kasper Schmeichel sold to Nice last week. Danny Ward has been promoted to number one.

Manager Brendan Rodgers had hoped to welcome new players on the right wing, at centre-back and in central midfield as part of a transfer refresh of five or six signings this summer, but those arrivals have become increasingly unlikely as the reality of City’s financial situation unfolded.

However, a cheaper deal for a thirdchoice goalkeeper is still possible.

Bringing a senior stopper to support Ward and Daniel Iversen will allow highly-rated 22-year-old Stolarczyk to go out on loan. He has been linked with a move to League One side Fleetwood.

Rodgers said: “Ideally if we were to bring somebody else in, it would be a number three keeper so we could get young Jakub out on loan because we think he’s going to be an outstanding keeper, but he needs to play.

“The worst-case scenario he doesn’t go out, he stays, and then I’ve got three very good goalkeepers.

“He goes out only when we can get another one in.”

Ward made just his second Premier League appearance in the Brentford match and earned praise from Rodgers. Asked if the goalkeeper debate had been settled, Rodgers said: “It is, very much so. I think you saw his presence, he was commanding the box, he came for crosses, he’s very good with his feet. He deserves the opportunity to play.”