Houllier retains Lerner backing

Gerard Houllier retains the support of Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner despite the club’s slide towards the Barclays Premier League relegation zone, it has been revealed today.

Houllier will be backed in the January transfer window and is close to sealing the deal to sign France’s Under-19 skipper Gueida Fofana from Le Havre for around £800,000.