Lyon eye Baros swoop

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed that the French champions are interested in signing Liverpool striker Milan Baros this summer.

Czech Republic frontman Baros, 23, scored nine times in 26 Premiership appearances this season and knows new Lyon boss Gerard Houllier well after he played under his command at Liverpool.

“Even if we want to remain as discreet as possible on our recruitment, I can confirm that Baros is definitely one of our objectives,” said Aulas.

“(Sporting director) Bernard (Lacombe) and Gerard (Houllier) will attend the Czech Republic’s next match.”

The Czech Republic, who are second in Group One in the 2006 World Cup qualifying competition, play Macedonia on Wednesday.

Meanwhile Aulas has also insisted he aims to keep midfielder Mickael Essien at the club after reports linking him with Chelsea.

“As far as Essien is concerned we have agreed with his agent and we now just need to convince him to stay,” Aulas said.

Lyon won their fourth consecutive French title in May and have set the 2006 Champions League crown as their prime ambition for next season.