Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has revealed he is working on a deal to sign midfielder Jean Makoun from his former club Lyon in a £6m deal.Houllier will fly to France to speak to Lyon about the prospects of capturing the 27-year-old Cameroon player.
"He can play as a holding player or as a box-to-box midfielder," Houllier said. "We are working on [the deal]."
Houllier also remains interested in signing Blackpool captain Charlie Adam after making an improved £3.5m bid.
Villa's first offer of around £2.5m was rejected, with Birmingham City and Liverpool also reportedly interested in acquiring the Scot.
"It is true that he [Adam] is a player that we like. His passing is very good," said Houllier.
It would appear, however, that Makoun is the Frenchman's top target as he looks to strengthen his squad in a bid to lead Villa away from the relegation zone.
I think this is(will be) a brilliant signing from Houllier
Im a Wally
"Makoun could be a good asset for us because he is experienced, he has played in the Champions League with Lille and Lyon," said Houllier. "He is exactly what we need at times.
"All I can say at the moment is that there is dialogue going on."
Meanwhile, the former Liverpool boss played down speculation that Norway striker John Carew could leave the club - despite the fact that he would like to add a forward to the squad as well this month.
Carew has been linked with a move to West Bromwich Albion, but Houllier 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."
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport