West Brom Sign Gera

Midfielder Zoltan Gera has put pen to paper on a two-year contract with his former club West Brom, with the option of a further 12 months in the Baggies' favour. The Hungary international scored 25 goals in 155 appearances during four years with the Baggies before moving to Fulham, where he was managed by current West Brom boss Roy Hodgson, on a free transfer in 2008. "Having decided not to renew his contract at Fulham, Zoltan has come back to the club where he started his career in England," Hodgson said on the club's official website. "The last time he played at West Bromwich Albion he was a very popular figure with everyone at the club, not least of all the fans. "I of course know him well and admired him in the two years we worked together at Fulham, where he was an integral part of the team that did well during those years. "I think it is a massive coup for the club that we have been able to persuade him to come back to West Brom despite the many other offers he had, because he is a player that is widely appreciated in the Premier League and abroad. "I think it is an excellent signing and he is a player I hope will do as well in the coming seasons as he has done in the past seasons with West Brom and Fulham. "In Zoltan Gera we've acquired not only a first-class player but a first-class person and we think that's also important to the way we want the club to move forward."

Gerard Houllier to leave Aston Villa

Manager Gerard Houllier is expected to leave Aston Villa today.Houllier, who only took over in September, missed the end of the season because of health problems and is set to leave by mutual consent.Houllier and his management team have remained bullish about his prospects of returning to work but a final round of medical tests late last week have taken the decision out of Houllier's hands.Medical test results have been studied by the club's owner Randy Lerner and medical staff. Houllier missed the final month of last season because of his heart problems.Caretaker manager Gary McAllister had been convinced the Frenchman would return to his post and the 63-year-old has played his part in drawing up Villa's plans for next season.It is understood Villa officials are concerned a return to the dugout for Houllier could cause further health problems and may not, therefore, be fair to him or the club.He has struggled to win over the Villa fans despite them moving away from the relegation zone and finishing ninth in the Premier League.Villa have already been linked with Everton manager David Moyes, Fulham boss Mark Hughes and former England coach Steve McClaren as possible successors should Houllier's reign be at an end.

Aston Villa want Ancelotti

Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner is contemplating replacing Gerard Houllier with former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti.The American billionaire sees Ancelotti as the perfect replacement considering his global reputation and history of success as a manager.Ancelotti, who was only sacked by Chelsea last Sunday, has been inundated with job vacancies from Italy but is seriously considering staying in England.He has fallen in love with the country following his two years in West London and has even mentioned the possibility of taking charge of the national team.Villa Park sources say negotiations are at an early stage but both sides are interested in a deal.The Italian is said to be unwilling to make a definite decision until the situation regarding his friend Houllier’s future is sorted out.Lerner is aware of the Frenchman’s heart problems after Houllier was taken to hospital in April and had to miss the rest of the season.Houllier is expected to be retained by the club in a director of football role, concentrating on finding potential signings and controlling the youth academy.
Ancelotti is not the only name being linked with position. David Moyes, Rafael Benitez and Ian Holloway have all had their names mentioned.

Villa close to sealing £6.5million midfielder

Aston Villa are close to sealing a £6.5million deal to sign Lyon midfielder Jean Makoun.Villa manager Gerard Houllier flew to his native France to hold talks with his former club on Wednesday over Makoun. The signs are positive that Cameroon international Makoun is on the verge of becoming Houllier's first major signing since taking charge at Villa.Houllier has already admitted Makoun would be a major asset if he joins Villa.
He said: "Makoun could be a good asset for us because he is experienced, has played in the Champions League with Lille and Lyon."He is exactly what we need at times. He can play as a holding player or as a box-to-box midfielder."Former Liverpool boss Houllier is also keen to bring in a new striker during January.

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