Source: Daily_Mail
Gerard Houllier in showdown talks with French FA as move to Aston Villa draws closer
Gerrard Houllier is due to meet French Football Federation president Fernando Duchaussoy on Wednesday as he prepares to join Aston Villa.[LNB]Duchaussoy will speak to the former Liverpool and Lyon boss when he returns from France's Euro 2012 qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo tonight.[LNB]Houllier, currently the national technical director of French football, is expected to confirm he wants to return to English football and become Martin O'Neill's successor at Villa Park.[LNB] Kop that: Houllier made his return to England recently for Jamie Carragher's testimonial[LNB]'I will meet Wednesday to take stock of the situation with him [Houllier], I'll ask him. I would like to continue working with him.' Duchaussoy told reporters.[LNB]Houllier, 63, is set to join Villa as manager rather than in a director of football-type position.[LNB]Showdown: Houllier is expected to tell the French FA he wants a move to Villa[LNB]Villa would like caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald to stay involved in the first team set-up in a coaching role.[LNB]But the former Liverpool player will have the final say on whether he wants this sort of involvement or would prefer instead to return to being in charge of the reserve team.[LNB]Houllier created a favourable impression with Villa owner Randy Lerner after being interviewed by the American multi-millionaire.[LNB]Houllier left Anfield six years ago and has been employed as France's technical director since parting company with Lyon in 2007.[LNB]He enjoyed considerable initial success with the Reds and led them to a UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup treble in 2001.[LNB]Villa believe he has the reputation and CV to keep Villa on an upward curve after three successive top-six finishes in the Barclays Premier League.[LNB]Before he moved to Liverpool, he also enjoyed title success with Paris St Germain and spent a decade overseeing the development of French football.[LNB]Former West Ham boss Alan Curbishley and MacDonald have also been interviewed for the post by Lerner and Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner.[LNB] Aston Villa set to reveal Houllier as new manager on ThursdayHoullier will be a hit at Aston Villa, insists former boss VenglosLiverpool blow as forward Kuyt faces lengthy lay-off after aerial stuntASTON VILLA FC
