Houllier is flying out to France to speak to Lyon about the prospects of capturing the Cameroon international and he has no doubts that the 27-year-old would enhance Villa's squad.
Houllier said: 'Makoun could be a good asset for us because he is experienced, he has played in the Champions League with Lille and Lyon.
Old pals' act: Lyon's Jean Makoun could soon be playing under his former manager Gerard Houllier again at Aston Villa
Wanted: Blackpool's skipper Charlie Adam is the subject of a £3.5million bid from Villa
'He is exactly what we need at times. He can play as a holding player or as a box-to-box midfielder.
'We are working on [the deal]. All I can say at the moment is that there is dialogue going on.'
Houllier also remains interested in signing Blackpool skipper Charlie Adam after making an improved £3.5million bid.
Villa's first offer of around £2.5million was rejected with Birmingham also interested in acquiring Adam.
Houllier said: 'It is true that he [Adam] is a player that we like. His passing is very good.'
The former Liverpool boss is also keen to bring in a new striker during January.
But he believes John Carew - a target for West Brom - will remain for at least the immediate future.
He said: 'If the opportunity is there [to sign a striker], then yes, but you don't find them easily.
'It depends on what is going to happen but I think John will stay for the moment.'
Villa will be without the suspended Emile Heskey and Ashley Young for Sunday's derby at Birmingham's St Andrews.
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Explore more:People: John Carew, Emile Heskey, Ashley Young, Gerard Houllier, Charlie Adam Places: Lyon, Birmingham, Liverpool, France, Cameroon
Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail