Liverpool hero Steve Nicol has urged his former club to sign Riyad Mahrez.

The Leicester City star has been desperate to leave the King Power since last summer. But despite not being granted his wish, Mahrez has starred for the Foxes this season, having scored seven goals in 22 league outings.

The 2015/16 PFA Player of the Year has recently been heavily linked with Liverpool following the departure of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona.

And Nicol, who spent 14 years at Anfield, believes Mahrez is the perfect replacement.

"I'd have him in a heartbeat, but I heard a story that Klopp wasn't that keen on him, which is disappointing, but I think he'd be absolutely fantastic at Liverpool," Nicol told ESPN.

"I'm going to say this is a hit because I wish and I want it to happen so I'm going to say it's a hit."