Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel says his former club should consider signing Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante on a free transfer next summer.

The Reds have been linked with Mason Mount in recent days but Friedel says a move for Kante would also be worthwhile if Jurgen Klopp’s side fail to secure the signature of Jude Bellingham:

“Kante could be a superb free option for Liverpool if they can’t get a deal over the line for [Jude] Bellingham or [Frenkie] De Jong – but he’d have to play. If a player like N’Golo Kante comes along on a free then he’s going to have to play. Kante is really good. There’s been some injury issues, sure, but he’s outstanding. Klopp knows better than me but I think Kante will have a lot of interested clubs and he’d be an incredible signing for any of them.”

With Kante out of contract in June, it looks like he could well be available, but there are a number of potential issues with signing the Frenchman.

In addition to the poor injury record that Friedel mentions, Kante will turn 32 before the end of the season. Combined with the fact that he would want a long contract on a sizeable wage, you risk being stuck with an ageing talent who is no longer able to play every game due to fitness problems.

There is no doubting Kante’s talent but it isn’t a deal you would think that Liverpool would even consider.