Serie A newcomers Carpi are keen to secure the services of veteran Italian forward Alberto Gilardino ahead of the new season, according to GazzettaWorld.

Carpi earned automatic promotion to the top-flight by staving off competition from Frosinone to claim the Serie B title last term. 

The 33-year-old scored four times for Fiorentina last term, but a permanent move to Tuscany failed to materalise.

Carpi looking to bolster strikeforce

Carpi laid claim to the Serie B title as the joint highest goal-scorers with 59 - alongside fifth place Spezia and 15th place Catania - and will be looking to summon a similar outlay in the top flight this term. 

Jerry Mbakogu topped the scoring charts for the Biancorossi last season with 15 goals, and Carpi coach Fabrizio Castori is seeking forwards able to relieve the burden on the 22-year-old.

Gilardino is currently under contract with Guangzhou Evergrande after departing Genoa last summer, and he has netted five times in 14 appearances for the Chinese Super League side.

Gilardino would be a useful addition

Though the 33-year-old's career has dwindled in recent years, Gilardino would still prove a useful acquisition for a side who are likely to be flirting with relegation.

He initially struggled to break into the Fiorentina side, but became the spearhead of Vincenzo Montella's attack during the concluding months of the campaign, scoring three goals in five games, including a tremendous showing against Palermo when Fiorentina ran out 3-2 victors. 

'Gila' - as he is affectionally known - also boasts a World Cup winners' medal and would add invaluable experience to a youthful squad. The Italian found the net 178 times during his first spell on the peninsula, making him the 12th highest Serie A goalscorer in history.

Carpi are also looking to strike a deal with Roma for Marquinho, who has spent the last two years on loan at Verona and Al-Ittihad

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Craig Vickers
Milk, honey and Andy Murray. Email: craigvickers1998[at]outlook.com