German international Miroslav Klose will be a free agent from the 30th June after the Polish born striker failed to come to an agreement with Bayern Munich over a new deal. Picking up a player who has found the back of the net as often as Klose has over the years, on a free transfer, would represent an excellent piece of business for any interested parties. The likes of Valencia, Lazio, Juventus and Everton have all reportedly shown an interest in the player, who despite approaching his 33rd birthday still has plenty to offer. Klose has scored 61 goals for his country, won the golden boot at a World Cup and has won two league and cup doubles in his time at Bayern, so his CV makes for impressive reading. Klose’s credentials are apparent but does he have what it takes to play for one of the top Premiership sides at this stage in his career?

After the World Cup in 2006 where Klose picked up the golden boot, he was linked with moves to our shores but it didn’t materialise. Now with the hands of time against him, I think it’s unlikely any of the last season’s top four would take a punt on him. This doesn’t mean I don’t think they should though as he has the ability to be a real impact player from the bench. Klose has plenty of experience in the Champions League and is a seasoned goal scorer, but I think the top four will be looking to the future with younger strikers. Furthermore, Klose only made nine starts last season for Bayern and after turning down their offer of a one year deal with a view to a second year, I can’t see the top four offering him much more than a one year deal either.

Tottenham and Liverpool on the other hand, could be more inclined to snap up a striker like Klose to bolster their attacking options. Liverpool’s front pairing of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll is clearly going to be the preferred starting frontline, but Klose could add competition and would be an able deputy. Tottenham are another of the clubs who have been linked to Klose and with last season’s lack of firepower up front he could supply some of the finishing touches that were missing for Spurs last term. Regardless of his age, Klose is clinical in front of goal, good in the air and has a clean strike, surely he would do a better job upfront for Spurs than Peter Crouch?

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With Euro 2012 a year away and Germany close to booking their place at the tournament, Klose will be keen to show Joachim Loew that he is the man to lead Germany’s front line next summer. So he may be after guaranteed first team football week in week out, which he would be unlikely to get at any of the top six in England. Nevertheless, he is a player I admire and while I can’t see a move to any of our Champions League sides as a likely destination, I think signing a quality forward who is a full international on a free transfer would be well worth the gamble for Liverpool or Tottenham. However it may be a case of fighting off competition from the rest of Europe for his services.