Cameroon midfielder Jean Makoun wanted by Aston Villa

Last updated : 12 January 2011 By Daily Mail

Houllier is flying out to France to speak to Lyon about the prospects of capturing the Cameroon international and he has no doubts that the 27-year-old would enhance Villa's squad.

Houllier said: 'Makoun could be a good asset for us because he is experienced, he has played in the Champions League with Lille and Lyon.

Old pals' act: Lyon's Jean Makoun could soon be playing under his former manager Gerard Houllier again at Aston Villa

Wanted: Blackpool's skipper Charlie Adam is the subject of a £3.5million bid from Villa

'He is exactly what we need at times. He can play as a holding player or as a box-to-box midfielder.

'We are working on [the deal]. All I can say at the moment is that there is dialogue going on.'

Houllier also remains interested in signing Blackpool skipper Charlie Adam after making an improved £3.5million bid.

Villa's first offer of around £2.5million was rejected with Birmingham also interested in acquiring Adam.

Houllier said: 'It is true that he [Adam] is a player that we like. His passing is very good.'

The former Liverpool boss is also keen to bring in a new striker during January.

But he believes John Carew - a target for West Brom - will remain for at least the immediate future.

He said: 'If the opportunity is there [to sign a striker], then yes, but you don't find them easily.

'It depends on what is going to happen but I think John will stay for the moment.'

Villa will be without the suspended Emile Heskey and Ashley Young for Sunday's derby at Birmingham's St Andrews.

 Fry fumes at 'insulting' Aston Villa bid for Peterborough goalkeeper LewisKenny Dalglish lines up Blackpool star Charlie Adam in bid to reignite troubled season at AnfieldVilla want Spurs striker Pavlyuchenko as Galatasaray eye Reo-CokerThe Insider: Gerard Houllier wants Joey Barton to save Aston Villa and Ajax striker Luis Suarez fancies Spurs move

 Explore more:People: John Carew, Emile Heskey, Ashley Young, Gerard Houllier, Charlie Adam Places: Lyon, Birmingham, Liverpool, France, Cameroon

Source: Daily Mail

Source: Daily Mail