Villa after Makoun signing

Gerard Houllier has revealed Aston Villa in talks to bring Lyon midfielder Jean Makoun to the English Premier League club.

The 27-year-old Cameroon international is reportedly the subject of a six million-pound bid from Villa, with club manager Houllier talking up his ability on Wednesday.

“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,” Houllier said.

“He can play as a holding midfielder or as a box-to-box player. He can be both. We are working on it. All you can say is there is dialogue going on at the moment.”

The January transfer window looks to be a busy one for Houllier, who is bidding to bolster a side 18th and goal difference from a spot outside the Premier League’s relegation zone.

Villa have reportedly had a bid for promising Peterborough goalkeeper Joe Lewis turned down, while a striker is also on Houllier’s wish-list.

Midfielder Steve Sidwell has already exited the club to league rivals Fulham, but striker John Carew is set to stay.

“If you say, ‘Are you looking for a striker?’, I would say if the opportunity is there, yes, but you don’t find them easily,” Houllier said.

“Getting a striker itself is not a problem. It is mainly the type of striker that you want. I think John (Carew) will stay for the moment.”

“We’re always looking for good players, but we’re aware that without Emile (Heskey) when he’s not there, and John, we’re struggling. But Gabby Agbonlahor can play and there’s Nathan Delfouneso so with Emile and John we’ve got four.”