Houllier considers Baros

[Morrison]

One of Gerard Houllier's first actions as manager of Lyon could be to make a swoop on his former club Liverpool.

The man understood to be top of Houllier's list of targets is unsettled striker Milan Baros.

The 23-year-old has admitted that his Anfield future is far from certain and he has indicated an interest in moving to Spain, with Valencia showing particular interest.

However, news of possible interest from Lyon, and his former boss Houllier, is almost certain to appeal to Baros.

Houllier is not planning a major overhaul of the Lyon squad - which has landed four Le Championnant titles in succession, although he is planning to bring in a few new faces.

One thing Houllier is not planning to do is allow many of Lyon's current stars to depart Stade Gerland.

Michael Essien is top of Houllier's list of players he wants to keep and his arrival could yet see the Ghanaian star remain in France.

Chelsea and Real Madrid were keen, but Houllier's influence could mean they have to put their bids on the backburners for 12 months.

Similarly with Juninho Pernambucano, who has recently been linked with Manchester United.

The 30-year-old Brazilian is crucial to Lyon and Houllier looks likely to hand him a new contract, thus securing his long-term future.

it is sell him to lyon if they offered what Rafa wants of Baros...

[NJ10]

lets hope houllier continues his red hot transfer market prowess and snaps baros up for big bucks. hopefully we can bung Diao, Cheyrou and Kewell in his luggage (being cooped up in a suitcase would probably make kewell more mobile). i think any offers of £4.5m + for milan should be accepted gleefully before his stock slips still further.