Andrea Pirlo linked with Liverpool transfer

Liverpool are set to part ways with one legendary midfielder in the shape of the irrepressible Steven Gerrard, but cold they replace him with another? Well, perhaps so, with Andrea Pirlo now linked with the club.

Gerrard will play his final game at Anfield on Saturday evening, and what an emotional occasion it shall be. Tickets for the encounter with Crystal Palace are somewhat like gold dust, as Reds from across the globe clamour to pay their respects to this Liverpool icon.

The Liverpool captain will leave for LA Galaxy once this season is concluded, lowering the curtain on a 17 year professional career with the club, and the task will now be for Brendan Rodgers to recruit a successor.

It could be that the Liverpool manager looks to acquire a short-term solution and, aged 35, Pirlo would certainly be just that. But what a coup it would be if Liverpool were to sign the bearded maestro, even if he is in his twilight.

The link originated in Italy, with Tuttomercatoweb carrying the story, but this has now been relayed to an English audience courtesy of The Mirror. Rodgers, it is claimed, as already made contact with Pirlo in the hope of concluding a deal.

But would Pirlo consider it? The Italian veteran could end this season with a Champions League victory to go with yet another Serie A crown and will be guaranteed another crack at top level European competition next term.

Liverpool can't offer that and it would be difficult to envisage Pirlo taking on the challenge of moving to the Premier League at this point. Were he to leave Juventus then, most likely, he would consider the relative retirement of MLS and the lucrative deals on offer over in the US.

Just as Gerrard has done, of course.