Lyon look to be closing in on the signing of Milan Baros from
Aston Villa in a deal that could see John Carew move the other
way.
OL boss Gerard Houllier revealed on Friday that he had made contact
with the Czech international's agent, and club supremo Jean-Michel
Aulas has now confirmed that a signing is 'imminent'.
Baros has been linked with a host of clubs in January, including
Real Sociedad, Chelsea, Werder Bremen, and Martin O'Neill's move
for Ashley Young has left him expendable at Villa Park.
Now, Lyon look to be on the brink of bringing Baros to the club he
rejected in 2005.
"There will be an imminent arrival of a striker," said Aulas.
"Baros is a player who strongly interests us."
"Contacts have been established (with Baros)"
Aulas has also hinted that Villa could receive out-of-favour Lyon
striker John Carew in part exchange.
The Norwegian hit-man will leave Stade Gerland in January and Aulas
believes the giant striker 'could fit perfectly' into the
Premiership.
The French club will also look to secure the signature of Rangers
midfielder Jeremy Clement, who only moved to Scotland from Lyon in
the summer.
"Jeremy Clement is a perfectly credible eventuality," Aulas
confirmed.
However, former Gers boss Paul Le Guen is also keen to recruit his
former player at his new club, Paris Saint Germain.
"It is true that we are interested," said Le Guen. "I had him at
Lyon, I had him at Glasgow. He is a young player with experience
both abroad and at a big club like Lyon.
"He is a left-sided player who can bring us new possibilities. It
isn't the only option because we know it won't be easy, but he is
one. Clearly."