Houllier wants Makoun at Villa: report

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has been sounding out Cameroon international Jean II Makoun ahead of a possible swoop for the wantaway Lyon midfielder in the January transfer window, reports said Friday.

Makoun on Thursday announced he was looking for a way out of the former French champions, especially as some unhappy fans have openly called for his departure in recent weeks.

L’Equipe daily said former Lyon coach Houllier, who did not know the Cameroonian during his spell with the club as Makoun played in Lille at the time, “has made Makoun one of his priority signings for January”.

“In the last few days he (Houllier) has been sounding out the player, who he likes a lot,” the report added.

Makoun has not been playing as regularly as he would like at Lyon, and said Thursday: “We’re obviously thinking about the winter transfer market and it’s totally normal for me to be looking to see if I can get more playing time elsewhere.”

Makoun arrived at the seven-time consecutive French champions (2002-2008) from Lille in 2008 for a fee of 14 million euros.

Lyon’s fans have been given plenty of reason for grief this season having seen the side drop into the relegation zone before a recent fightback has allowed them to climb to 11th.

Striker Bafetimbi Gomis, who signed from Lyon’s arch rivals St Etienne in July 2009, has also been a target for unhappy fans at the club.

Houllier meanwhile appears keen to add some much-needed muscle to a midfield and forward line which has recently been hit by injuries.

Norwegian striker John Carew and Englishman Emile Heskey are both sidelined and captain Nigel Reo-Coker was earlier this week ruled out for at least three weeks with a knee injury.

England forward Gabriel Agbonlahor only just started light training last week following his recovery from injury.