The legendary 289 goal free agent striker Liverpool simply have to try to sign

We all know what a debacle deadline day was for Liverpool, we have been busy debating whose fault it was - a combination - but all is not lost just yet.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Michael Owen, their former hero, but the way he walked out on them, and his later dalliance with their bitter rivals in Manchester make him a contentious figure, and with his recent injuries and lack of recent game time at the top level, one that may not be worth the aggravation.

One that will surely unite the fans, would be if Liverpool were to move to sign a modern day great of Italian football, a World Cup winner, and a player who has scored more than 280 goals for Juventus, Alessandro Del Piero.

Del Piero decided to call time on his illustrious career in Turin this summer, after 19 years with Juventus, which took in a Champions League win, and six Serie A titles, eight if you include the two stripped from them in 04-05 and 05-06.

He rounded off his career at the Stadio Delle Alpi in the perfect manner, scoring a goal in his farewell Serie A game against Atalanta, which brought a tear to the eye of many a Juve fan, who remember him as a young prospect once hailed, accurately, as the heir to Roberto Baggio.

Last Friday it was announced he had signed with Sydney FC in Australia, by the club. But the team from down under were forced to embarrassingly retract their statement after it was denied by Del Piero's representatives.

He remains a free agent, and it is still thought he harbours ambitions to play in Europe.

Surely the temptation of answering an SOS to help a club of Liverpool's stature would appeal to him? With the greatest of respects to an ambitious Sydney FC, Del Piero is far too good for them.

He was still scoring goals for Juventus last season at the top level, contributing to their unbeaten season, and at 37, is a year younger than fellow veteran Ryan Giggs.

Nobody is suggesting Del Piero as a long-term option, he'd be a stop gap, but what a luxury solution. His mere presence would lift the Anfield crowd, cause fear to the opposition, and there is still the magic in his boots capable of turning a game at the top level.

His destination is still unclear, yesterday it was reported he was in talks with Greek side Olympiakos, while representatives from Sydney were heading over to Italy to try to resurrect a deal for the forward. The latest reports indicate Sydney hope to sort it out one way or another by tomorrow.

Surely it is not too late for Liverpool to throw their hat into the ring and make an approach. Whether Liverpool want to pay the wages to match some of the lucrative offers Del Piero will get from abroad is another matter, but if the negotiating team make the right sell, Del Piero be will joining Liverpool for the challenge, not the cash.

There are slim picking in the free agent market, and Del Piero is the best available despite his age. Seeing names like Emile Heskey and Afonso Alves mentioned as solutions show how embarrassing Liverpool's transfer window was, but they could pull a rabbit out of the hat just yet.

They would have to get acting quickly, as the Italian's future is likely to be decided by the end of the week. A golden ticket to win back the affections of the Liverpool faithful after the mess of deadline day? Just maybe...

Would you like to see Del Piero join Liverpool on a short term deal?

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