Brendan Rodgers targets Jamie Carragher replacement

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he is keen to begin the search for Jamie Carragher's successor at Anfield.

Carragher retires from football at the end of the season after a 17-year career on Merseyside, and while Rodgers admits that he will miss the versatile defender, he has acknowledged that he will need a certain type of character to replace the former England international.

The 40-year-old told reporters: "I think we're going to be light in that area, so between now and the end of the season, we have to assess things. That's the one area of the field where we haven't brought anyone in. We've brought in midfield players and front players but, as of yet, there's been no one in that area of the field.

"We're going to lose Jamie, which is a big loss. There's no player who is irreplaceable, but he's a big loss, because you see his experience and how he leads the line.

"And when you're playing as a defender, you need someone in there who is vocal and can organise the line. He does that remarkably well."

Rodgers has been linked with a move for Swansea City defender Ashley Williams.