Villa sign Lyon´s Makoun

Cameroon international Jean Makoun has joined Aston Villa from Ligue 1 club Lyon for 6.5 million pounds.

The signing of the 27-year-old midfielder, who will have a medical in Birmingham on Saturday, has delighted manager Gerard Houllier.

“It is on the way,” Houllier said. “He is exactly what we need in an area where we are not blessed with numbers.”

Houllier admitted he was afraid he would not get Makoun, pointing out: “since he came back into the team Lyon have moved from 18th position to fourth (on the Ligue 1 table)”.

“He could be a good asset for us because he is experienced, he has played Champions League with Lille and Lyon and he is exactly what we need at times.”

“He can play as a holding midfielder or as a box-to-box player. He can be both.”

Houllier is poised to end striker John Carew’s exile by handing him a recall in the derby with Birmingham City on Sunday.

It is a must-win match for Houllier and Villa at St Andrew’s, as defeat could leave the Villans at the foot of the Premier League table.

Despite an FA Cup win over Sheffield United last week, Houllier remains under pressure and needing to win over the fans.

“Don’t be mistaken, I am as hurt as the fans,” he said. “I am not happy with our position. Nobody is. We are in this together.”

“They were great against Sheffield United and I was pleased we could offer them a victory. We need to set our target probably just to escape relegation. That is the fight.”