Lyon have launched an £8.5m bid to sign Liverpool striker Milan Baros, according to reports.
Houllier has been linked with Reds forward Djibril Cisse but said: “I know the English talked about Cisse coming back to France but this is all wrong.”
Instead, he seems keen on Baros, although the Czech international would prefer to stay in England with Aston Villa a possible destination. Villa have offered £6.5m but Liverpool are holding out for at least £7m.
Baros has agreed personal terms with Villa and wants to stay in England.
He recently said: “I have nothing against the French club but I consider England and Spain to be the best ones.”
Villa could strengthen their position if they were prepared to include winger Nolberto Solano as part of any deal, but manager David O’Leary is keen to retain the Peruvian.
“I admire Liverpool’s taste but Nobby is an important part of our plans and will not be going anywhere,” confirmed O’Leary.
That means they will have to increase their offer or risk Baros joining Lyon.
“Villa increased their offer and we’ve come to an agreement on the financial front. But that doesn’t mean that it’s already a done deal,” added Baros.
“Villa are a quality club, and I don’t consider this a backward step at all. My situation will be better there.”
