The Frenchman is reportedly in line to take over at Villa Park and is thought to be on owner Randy Lerner’s shortlist to replace Martin O’Neill, who unexpectedly quit just before the start of the Premier League season.

There are suggestions the former Lyon boss could come in as director of football in a move that would see current caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald remain in charge of first-team affairs.

Houllier, who left Anfield in 2004 following six seasons in charge of the Reds, was back at Liverpool on Saturday for Jamie Carragher’s testimonial but he refused to be drawn on the speculation linking him with Villa.

When asked about his future, the current technical director for the French Football Federation said: “Never and always are two words you can’t use in football.”

Alan Curbishley is also said to be in the frame for the job while the likes of former England and Man City chief Sven Goran Eriksson, Everton boss David Moyes and even Birmingham manager Alex McLeish have all been linked with the post.

Villa (50/1 to be relegated this season) are next in action when they take on Stoke a week on Monday.

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