Mark Lawrenson urges Liverpool to sign Chelsea defender

Former Liverpool star Mark Lawrenson has urged the club to make an attempt to sign Reece James from Chelsea during the forthcoming transfer window.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has already confirmed that the club are unlikely to spend big during the summer but Lawrenson believes his former side should still look to strengthen their squad further.

Speaking to The Star, Lawrenson said that the Reds should target the signing of James from the Blues, given the right-sided defender has enjoyed a standout season in the Championship on loan.

"I don't think they could easily get him - the right-back at Wigan, on loan from Chelsea, Reece James. In that league he makes it look so ridiculously easy. I think he could make the step up." he said.

James signed a fresh four-year deal with the Blues before heading to the Latics. He was their leading performer through the season and ended the campaign with a mention in the Championship Team of the Year.

At present, the Reds have both Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who can slot into the right-back spot but they may still consider another signing with the former's fitness concerns while Nathaniel Clyne may leave the club on his loan return.