Carragher: I was desperate for Liverpool to sign Mahrez

Jamie Carragher was "desperate" for Liverpool to sign Riyad Mahrez during the summer.

The Algerian was named PFA Player of the Year as Leicester City claimed a remarkable Premier League title, scoring 17 goals and adding a further 10 assists in 37 appearances.

While Jamie Vardy was the subject of serious interest from Arsenal, which the striker eventually turned down in favour of penning fresh terms at the King Power Stadium, Mahrez was the focus of less transfer speculation which surprised the Liverpool great.

"Mahrez angled for a move but no suitors were forthcoming," he wrote in the 'Daily Mail'.

"I was desperate for Liverpool to sign Mahrez. I loved watching him last season, he used to get me out of my seat the way he would cut in from the right flank on to his left foot.

"I was shocked none of the giants made a bid for such a gifted wide man, who scored goals and created plenty of assists".

However Mahrez, along with his title-winning team-mates, has struggled to replicate last season's form with just three goals - all from the penalty spot - and two assists as the reigning champions face up to a relegation battle.

"Look at how he has played, though, since signing his lucrative new contract. At this stage last year, he had scored 10 times — a haul which was responsible for 11 points — and created a further six goals.

"This year? He's scored three penalties in the Premier League, which have been worth a point".