With North Melbourne midfielder Jed Anderson currently out of contract, former Essendon star Matthew Lloyd believes Carlton should jump at the opportunity.

Lloyd told AFL Trade Radioย that he believes Anderson would help to assist Carlton captain Patrick Cripps in the midfield, a role currently being filled by Ed Curnow.

Anderson averaged 21 disposals, five tackles, four clearances and 3.5 inside 50s per game this season in a career-best campaign.

And with Carlton looking to continue to beef up theirย  midfield, Lloyd believes Anderson could be their ideal target.

โ€œI think Carlton should go for Jed Anderson from North Melbourne,โ€ Lloyd said.

โ€œHe is as tough as nails and I heard he hasnโ€™t got a contract yet, heโ€™s just sorting through it.

โ€œHe is someone, he is an absolute bull, and in the right environment I think he could be the perfect fit for Carlton.

โ€œWhile thereโ€™s so much uncertainty around who the coach is going to be, if I was a club out there, heโ€™s someone whoโ€™s fantastic, you wouldnโ€™t have to pay a heap for him, you could sell the direction of the club and where youโ€™re heading, and heโ€™d be a great asset for Patrick Cripps and Carlton.โ€

AFL Media reported around three weeks ago that the 26-year-old was close to signing a contract for 2021 and beyond, likely in a bid to get away from the drama at North Melbourne.

Already adding speed with the impending signings of GWS utility Zac Williams and Essendon defender Adam Saad, the Blues are also looking for grunt in their midfield.

Carlton are believed to have enough in the salary cap for a third star that doesn't completely break the bank,.