The pair enjoyed a fruitful relationship at Liverpool when Houllier was in charge at Anfield between 1998 and 2004, with the vast majority of Owen’s 118 league goals for the Reds coming between those years.

Houllier, who will officially begin work at Villa Park next week following the home clash with Bolton, appears keen on luring Owen, 31 in December, to the west midlands.

The Frenchman believes he can still do a job in the top flight, despite his well-documented injury problems over the years and his lack of action for United since his shock move there last summer.

“He has always been in my thoughts,” Houllier told reporters in France. “I like him, as a player and a man.”

He added: “I went to Liverpool on September 4 for Jamie Carragher’s testimonial, and I saw Michael play.

“He still has the legs for it.”

Owen’s possible move to Villa comes as the former Real Madrid and Newcastle forward hinted he may have to look at where his future lies if he is not getting enough games for United.

“You can only do your best and prepare and train well, so that you are ready when the manager calls on you,” said Owen.

“After that, it’s up to the manager who he chooses.

“It sounds easy, but probably the most difficult thing is not playing for a couple of weeks and then all of a sudden getting called up and being mentally and physically right to perform well.”

He added: “At the end of the season, I’ll look and think, ‘Was I happy with the amount of games I was available for?’, ‘Did I score enough goals in the games when I played?’ and ‘Did I play well enough in those games?’”

Owen may get the chance to put one over his former side, Liverpool, on Sunday when the Merseysiders make the short journey east to Old Trafford (Liverpool 19/5 – 90 minutes).

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