Source: PA
Houllier expects Ireland to leave
Gerard Houllier will allow wantaway Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland to leave the midlands club after claiming: "Once a player wants to go, he goes."
But Houllier believes Villa will want to recoup the £8million valuation placed by Manchester City on Ireland as part of the deal which saw James Milner move to Eastlands in the summer.
Houllier has held a further meeting with Ireland and his representative with the player making it clear he feels his future lies elsewhere.
Asked if the player might leave in the winter transfer window, Houllier replied: "He said he wanted to go in January. He said that to his agent. I am not so convinced about that.
"Have I told him to move? No, no, no. Once a player wants to go, he goes. Simple as that.
"I think we will be looking to get the same kind of money back. The club probably would."
