Houllier Admits Owen Interest

By NBF News

New Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has confirmed his interest in working with Michael Owen again.

Houllier, who will officially begin work at Villa Park next week, has been linked with a swoop for the Manchester United forward after sealing his own switch back to England.

The French tactician worked with the former England striker for six years during their time together at Liverpool and the new Villa chief has not dismissed the chances of a reunion.

'He has always been in my thoughts,' Houllier told Canal+.

'I like him (Owen ), as a player and a man.'
Houllier also dismissed suggestions that Owen, 30, was no longer capable of producing goals at Premier League level.

'I went to Liverpool on September 4 for Jamie Carragher's testimonial, and I saw Michael play a half of football,' he said.

'He still has the legs for it.'
Houllier's comments come on the same day as Owen revealed that he could be growing increasingly discontented with life on the bench at Old Trafford.