Liverpool Transfer Speculation: 4 Free-Agent Goalscorers the Reds Could Consider

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Kenny Dalglish's 2011-12 Liverpool side scored just 47 goals in 38 games last season, good for 11th in the Premier League.

Despite the shortcomings, Brendan Rodgers allowed three of his attackers, Craig Bellamy, Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt, to leave, with only one new striker, Fabio Borini, coming in.

As a result, the Reds have next to no forwards in the squad behind Borini and Luis Suarez. The need is not one that can be addressed in the next transfer window. It is one that needs to be addressed now.

Fortunately, despite the 2012 summer transfer window having closed, the Reds still have the option of pursuing club-less players. There are a few free agents available, and Rodgers could look to pounce.

Here are four free-agent targets the Reds could pursue. 

4. Eiður Guðjohnsen

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Iceland favourite Eiður Guðjohnsen is far from being an elite player, but he has throughout his career made his name as a solid player who gives his all and can score the odd goal.

The 33-year-old, who has released by Greek club AEK Athens this summer, has spent 10 years of his career in England, scoring 106 goals in 363 games playing for Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Stoke City and Fulham, and could be set for a return to the Premier League.

A versatile player, Guðjohnsen can play in the midfield or in a supporting role for the striker. He probably wouldn't start for the Reds, but would be a very solid addition to the team's options off the bench.

3. Harry Kewell

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Harry Kewell was never much of a goal scorer, but the left-footed ex-Reds winger does everything so well, it is hard not to want him in your team.

That said, the 33-year-old, who spent last season with the Melbourne Victory of the A-League, has scored 121 goals and recorded 92 assists in 496 career games.

The Australian, who spent five years of his career at Anfield, the last being 2007-08, was an important player for the Reds when fit, but was often plagued by injury.

His recent history suggests he is past the injuries, and while he might not be the pure goal scorer the Reds need, he could add competition to the likes of Fabio Borini and Stewart Downing for the wing spots in the Liverpool starting XI.

Kewell was my favourite Liverpool player when he was here. It would be nice to have him back. 

2. Florent Sinama Pongolle

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Boy.

If Brendan Rodgers signed both Harry Kewell and Florent Sinama Pongolle, it would be like 2004 all over again.

The former Sporting Lisbon striker, who spent last season on loan at Saint-Etienne, was signed by Liverpool with fellow Frenchman Anthony Le Tallec in 2001, but would only go on to score nine goals in 62 games for the Reds. Never an overly prolific scorer, the 27-year-old has 51 goals in 254 career games.

The native of Saint-Pierre, Réunion, Sinama Pongolle has never been an elite goal-getter, but his game, centered on movement and speed, could be a nice fit to the Reds' 4-3-3 formation.

Like the other options on this list, Florent Sinama Pongolle may not be the best strike option for the Reds, but would significantly boost Brendan Rodgers' options off the bench.

1. Alessandro Del Piero

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He may be a 37-year-old who has not scored more than 15 goals in a season since 2008-09, but Alessandro Del Piero can still be an effective striker and is undoubtedly the top option currently available to Brendan Rodgers and the Reds.

The Italian international attacker, who plays best in a supporting role to the frontman, appeared in 698 games in his Juventus career, scoring 286 goals. He scored five in 28 games last season, before the era ended this summer.

Del Piero is far from still being an elite forward, but he is better than nothing, and his experience and finishing ability would be coveted in the Liverpool side.

It might be well worth Brendan Rodgers' time, for the good of the season, to take a long look at signing Alessandro Del Piero.