Lyon boss Houllier keen to get re-united with Owen

GERARD HOULLIER could be reunited with Michael Owen if Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has his way.

Lyon will soon have money to spend after agreeing a £24m deal with Chelsea for Michael Essien and are thought to be looking to strengthen their strikeforce. Despite already signing John Carew this summer, ex-former Liverpool boss Houllier and Aulas are admirers of 25-year-old Owen.

Aulas said: "If you ask me whether I would be happy to welcome Michael Owen to the club, the answer is yes. Of course I would."

Owen looks to be leaving Madrid, however, David Beckham urged him to stay yesterday, and fellow club-mate Thomas Gravesen agrees.

Gravesen said: "It will be such a big loss if Michael leaves because he is one of the best strikers in the world if not the very best. Every time Michael plays he scores and shows quality."