Crystal Palace are reportedly considering a move for experienced Italian striker Alberto Gilardino.

The Eagles are rock bottom of the Premier League table entering the October international break - losing all seven of their league games this season without scoring a single goal.

Christian Benteke's absence with a knee problem meant that Bakary Sako had to lead the line against Manchester United at the weekend, and the 29-year-old struggled to make his mark in the 4-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

Carlton Cole has been linked with a move to Selhurst Park, but Eagles boss Roy Hodgson, who is also without the services of Connor Wickham, recently played down the reports.

According to ESPN, Palace are exploring the possibility of signing 35-year-old Gilardino, who has been a free agent since leaving Pescara at the end of the 2016-17 campaign.

Gilardino, who won the 2007 Champions League with AC Milan, scored 19 times in 57 appearances for the Italian national team between 2004 and 2013.