Crystal Palace option Alberto Gilardino signs for Spezia

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The 35-year-old was offered to Crystal Palace on a short-term deal last week
But instead he has signed a longer two-year deal with Serie B team Spezia
Injuries mean Palace need to add a striker who is available on a free transfer

Published: 06:11 EDT, 3 October 2017 | Updated: 08:51 EDT, 3 October 2017

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Alberto Gilardino will not be joining Crystal Palace after the Italian striker opted to sign for Spezia.

The 35-year-old free agent was offered to struggling Premier League side Palace on a short-term deal last week but has agreed a longer, two-year deal to sign for the Serie B side.

Spezia will be the 13th team Gilardino has played for in a career stretching back to 1999. He earned 57 caps for Italy, scoring 19 goals.

Alberto Gilardino, one of Crystal Palace's striking options, has opted to sign for Spezia

Palace are in the market for a free agent striker with injuries to Christian Benteke, Wilfried Zaha and Connor Wickham leaving them short of attacking options.

They have yet to score in the Premier League this season under either Frank De Boer or Roy Hodgson.

The Eagles lost 4-0 against Manchester United prior to the international break to continue a difficult start to the campaign.

Palace were forced to select winger Bakary Sako as a striker for that trip to Old Trafford.