Houllier keen to sign Bridge and Makoun

Despite that, Houllier admits the current asking price -- believed to be around £7m -- is too high for the Cameroon man.

Makoun, 27, has been identified as one of Houllier's leading targets this month.

Houllier said: "What is the position with Makoun? There is dialogue at the moment.

"The price is too high and we'll do what is right for the club."

Lyon splashed out £11m 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's Wayne Bridge will also occur.

He needs to sign an experienced left-back as Stephen Warnock has fallen out of favour.

Houllier said: "The club is dialoguing with a lot of options and one of them is Wayne Bridge.

"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.

Centreback Curtis Davies is back in training at Villa after a loan spell at Leicester but he could return to the Foxes.

Houllier said: "Curtis is back in training. He came back injured but he's better.

"Is he staying here? I don't know. There's a possibility for an extension of his loan."

Houllier also hinted that out-of-favour midfielder Stephen Ireland could also return to his plans after not being part of his recent matchday squads.

He said: "I still believe Stephen has got great ability. Sometimes it takes more time to settle into a new team.

"But I trust him at some stage to deliver and show what he can do."