John Aldridge: Liverpool Star Becoming A Free Agent Is Worrying

John Aldridge is concerned that Liverpool are yet to sign Jamie Carragher on a new deal, with the defender continuing to prove a vital part of the squad this season despite his age.

At 35, Carragher has become an important leader at Merseyside alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard.

And Aldridge believes that with less than six months to go on his current deal, Liverpool should be doing everything necessary to make sure Carragher stays at the club long beyond the summer.

"What I find strange is that it's February and still nothing has been done about his contract," he said in the Liverpool Echo. "In a few months he could walk away as a free agent and that worries me.

"I know Carra has said he's yet to decide whether to play on past May but Liverpool should be pulling out all the stops to convince him by sticking a contract on the table for him to sign.

"He has just turned 35 but he's fit and still has so much to offer. Sami Hyypia played on until he was 37 and Carra can do likewise.

"It's imperative Liverpool keep hold of him and when the day comes that he retires he needs to be kept on in some capacity. He's one of the heartbeats of the club and commands respect."

Aldridge also pointed out that Gerrard's contract needs to be extended as well, with Liverpool needing to find a balance between bringing in young players and keeping experience on board for the long term.

"Steven Gerrard only has one more year on his deal and that's another issue that needs to be sorted quickly," he explained. "The owners may want to invest in youth but recent games have shown the value of experience."