Brendan Rodgers is ready to look to Liverpool's academy

Brendan Rodgers is ready to look to Liverpool's academy to bolster his attack after insisting that he will not try to sign any free agents before January.

Brendan Rodgers failed to land his transfer deadline day targets

Liverpool manager Rodgers was left with just two senior forwards after failing to bring in either Clint Dempsey or Daniel Sturridge to replace Andy Carroll, who has joined West Ham on a season's loan.

Rodgers has made it clear that he only let Carroll go before the transfer window closed because he thought he had a replacement lined up.

Liverpool have since been linked with a number of free agents, who can be signed outside the transfer window, but Rodgers said no moves were ever made to sign Michael Owen, Emile Heskey or Alessandro Del Piero.

Liverpool informed ESPN on Tuesday that they are no longer pursuing a move to bring Michael Owen back to Anfield.

Liverpool informed ESPN on Tuesday that they are no longer pursuing a move to bring Michael Owen back to Anfield.

Michael Owen can still move as a free agent

Liverpool, though, denied that a combination of the owners' insistence on Monday that there are "no short-term quick fixes" for the club and a possible backlash from some Liverpool fans were behind the U-turn.

Rodgers did give some thought to a move for Owen, and it is understood that talks took place with the striker's advisors, but Liverpool have cooled on the idea of bringing in any free agents to bolster a depleted front line.

Liverpool are set to hold talks with Michael Owen on Monday as they weigh up a move for the former England striker.

Liverpool are set to hold talks with Michael Owen on Monday as they weigh up a move for the former England striker.

Michael Owen is available on a free transfer

Brendan Rodgers confirmed after his side's 2-0 defeat at home to Arsenal on Sunday that he was considering a deal for Owen after failing to sign a replacement for Andy Carroll on transfer deadline day.

Owen, a free agent after leaving Manchester United, is also talking with Sunderland, West Ham, Everton and Stoke about a deal.

Liverpool are weighing up a move for free agent Michael Owen after failing

Liverpool are weighing up a move for free agent Michael Owen after failing to add a striker to their ranks on transfer deadline day.

Michael Owen left Liverpool in 2004 for Real Madrid

The out-of-favour Andy Carroll was loaned out to West Ham United on Friday and it appeared Liverpool would replace the forward to offer back-up to Luis Suarez. They were linked with moves for Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge and also Clint Dempsey, with the latter subsequently joining Tottenham from Fulham after the Reds reportedly failed with a £4 million bid. Owen, 32, is without a club after being released by Manchester United at the end of last season and is free to sign a for a new team outside of the transfer window, although he needs to sign early next week if he is to be certain of being eligible to play in Premier League