Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has confirmed his interest in signing Lyon midfielder Jean Makoun.
Yet despite that, Houllier admits the current asking price - believed to be around £7million - is too high for the Cameroon international.
Houllier said: "What is the position with Makoun? There is dialogue going on at the moment. But the price is too high and we'll do what is right for the club."
Lyon splashed out £11million to sign Makoun from Lille two years ago and are keen to recoup as much of their outlay as possible.
Houllier remains hopeful that a loan deal for Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge will also go through.
He needs to sign an experienced left-back with Stephen Warnock having fallen out of favour following a loss of form.
Houllier said: "The club is dialoguing with a lot of options and one of them is Wayne Bridge that I would like to have.
"He is an experienced left-back and, maybe at some stage we hope that would go through.
"When good players are not playing, a lot of clubs in January will try to get them."
Houllier's only signing to date is Tottenham defender Kyle Walker, who has joined on loan for the remainder of the season.
Source: PA
