Liverpool icon John Aldridge says Wigan Athletic midfielder James McCarthy must be a target for Reds boss Rafa Benitez.

In his column for the Liverpool Echo, Aldo wrote: "McCarthy joined Wigan from Hamilton last summer. He could have signed for the Reds but he knew he wouldn't get a game and decided going to Wigan would be best for his development.

"At £1.2m he was a bargain. He's got fire in his belly and the attitude and commitment of the young Republic of Ireland international really impressed me.

"If Liverpool are looking for a quality midfielder there's no need to search in South America.

"Look no further than McCarthy. He's on our doorstep and we need to snap him up before Manchester United do."