Crystal Palace transfer news: Roy Hodgson lining up shock move for ex-AC Milan striker Alberto Gilardino
The Eagles are on the hunt for a forward after star man Christian Benteke was ruled out for six weeks with a knee injury
ROY HODGSON is lining up a shock move for ex-AC Milan star Alberto Gilardino to solve his sides crisis up top.
Crystal Palace are yet to score in seven Premier League games this season, and the Eagles boss could turn to the veteran forward to solve their woes.
The London club have been rocked by the news that Christian Benteke has been ruled out for SIX weeks with a knee injury.
Back-up striker Connor Wickham is still weeks away from being fit for contention as he battles his own knee problem.
While Frazier Campbell was allowed to depart Selhurst Park in the summer, leaving wingers Wilfried Zaha or Bakary Sako as viable options up front.
And according to ESPN, Palace are now eyeing up a short-term deal for free agent Gilardino.
The 35-year-old has been without a club since leaving Pescara at the end of last campaign, and would jump at the chance for a new chapter in the Premier League.
Earlier this summer, the Italian had a trial with MLS side Montreal Impact, but was not offered a contract by the Canadian club.
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Gilardino has spent almost his entire career in Italy, barring one season playing in China with Guangzhou Evergrande.
He is ninth on the list of all-time Serie A top goalscorers with 188 goals in 514 top-flight appearances.
However he failed to score for either Empoli or Pescara last season.
With Milan he was part of the squad that won the Champions League in 2007, while he also has a Chinese Super League winners medal.
His most impressive accolade is winning the World Cup in 2006 where he netted once in Germany.
