Liverpool Transfer Speculation: Could Ex-Red Michael Owen Be a Target?

To the disappointment of Liverpool fans all over, the 2012 summer transfer window has slammed shut, with Liverpool making no new signings despite seeing Charlie Adam, Nathan Eccleston and Jay Spearing leave.

Fulham's Clint Dempsey was rumoured to be a target (ESPN) along with Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge, who was available on loan (BBC), but the American went on to join Tottenham while Sturridge stayed at Stamford Bridge.

The transfer window closes with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers having completed deals for five players: Fabio Borini, Joe Allen, Oussama Assaidi, Nuri Sahin and Samed Yesil, but arguably the biggest hole going into the summer—a goalscoring striker—remains unfilled.

Fortunately for Reds fans, despite the window shutting, there is still one possible option available.

That is ex-Liverpool hero Michael Owen.

Unbeknownst to many, the 32-year-old England frontman is a free agent having been released by Manchester United—meaning he can still sign with a club despite the shutting of the window, and could well be a target for Liverpool as Rodgers scrambles to add quality to his front line.

Having grown through the club's youth ranks, Owen spent parts of eight seasons with the first team, scoring 158 goals in 297 games, while establishing himself as a fan favourite and one of the club's greatest ever.

Real Madrid signed the then-superstar for £8 million and Antonio Núñez in 2004, ending an era.

Owen has struggled with injuries throughout his career, but class is permanent, and in his movement, leadership and sheer finishing ability, he would bring many of the qualities Liverpool have been lacking to the first team.

Surrounded by the likes of Joe Allen, Fabio Borini, Steven Gerrard, Nuri Sahin and Luis Suarez, he would surely be able to regain his prolific goalscoring form.

And, from a personal standpoint, though he has served bitter rivals Manchester United, it sure would be nice to welcome back one of the players who caused me to fall helplessly in love with this club in the first place.

It might be a last-resort deal, but it would be one of a low-risk, high-reward nature and could only turn out well.

Let's bring Michael back.