Gerard Houllier is refusing to comment on speculation linking him to the vacant managerial post at Aston Villa.
Houllier, who had a six-year spell in English football with Liverpool from 1998 to 2004, has emerged as a leading contender to replace Martin O’Neill at Villa Park.
When asked about speculation linking him to the job, however, Houllier was coy on the subject.
“Never and always are two words you can’t use in football,” he said.
Houllier won a FA Cup, UEFA Cup and Carling Cup treble with Liverpool in 2001 and went on to manage Lyon following his departure from Anfield. He currently serves as a technical director for the French Football Federation (FFF).
There have also been reports that Houllier might be offered a role as director of football at Villa Park, with current caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald remaining in charge of the first team.
