Houllier is looking to the future and has already confirmed Villa have watched Rangers number one Allan McGregor.
Friedel is 39 and is close to become Villa's oldest player - he is only behind right-back Ernest Callaghan, who played for the club in the 1940s. His contract expires at the end of the season and his future will be sorted out in a couple of months time.
Houllier said: "We are looking at several goalkeepers - and we've told Brad. We're looking for a keeper for the future. If Brad is fine in February, then we will keep him. We've told him that, if he feels okay. I've spoken to him and said 'obviously, you're 39, so I need to look to the future but I'm perfectly happy with you'.
"And, if he feels fine, why not? We'll ask him in February. If he feels all right, we'll keep him. If he stays, he'll stay as the first-team keeper."
Friedel will pass Callaghan's record of 39 years and 257 days if he plays against Manchester United on February 1 at Old Trafford.
Source: PA
Source: PA