Heskey’s do-or-die January

With Liverpool’s showing this campaign turning into the laughing stock of English football, the only player that seems to give a darn at Anfield is Fernando Torres. But despite El Niño standing head and shoulders above the competition, any footy lover knows that one player does not make a winning team. In a quest to stem the decay and add support to his lone striker, Rafael Benitez is rumoured to be interested in re-acquiring Heskey. But upon closer inspection, if Liverpool’s struggle for a top four place doesn’t attract Heskey, who is rumoured to be interested in the move, he might have an alternative. With the African Cup of Nations decimating Chelsea‘s frontline, rumours persist that Carlo Ancelotti is in search of a stop-gap to fill the void left by Didier Drogba. The Ivorian’s impact on the Blues cannot be underestimated and despite Ancelotti promising to run around in the snow naked if they sign a striker, the Italian might be better off picking up a mild case of the flu rather than sticking to his guns.

A dream return to Liverpool or a chance to shine at Stamford Bridge would offer Heskey possibly his final crack at European football and might persuade Fabio Capello to keep a closer eye on his performances pre-South Africa. Unfortunately one small issue stands between Heskey and his dreams: Martin O’Neill‘s pride. Eighteen months ago, the Villa manager and Rafa Benitez fell out spectacularly over protracted and bitter negotiations for then-Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry. The rift between the two has never healed, and that might just cost Liverpool any chance of landing Heskey. So while Rafa Benitez pines for striking reinforcements and Heskey dreams of the Kop, Martin O’Neill, like Carlo Ancelotti, might stick to his guns which would see Heskey once again left out in the cold.

Dazed and confused; Heskey's future hangs in the balance

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