Gerard Houllier is set for a dramatic return to the Barclays Premier League with Aston Villa, according to reports from England.

The former Liverpool boss has reportedly held talks with Villa owner Randy Lerner about succeeding Martin O'Neill as manager, although there is some speculation that Houllier could join in a director of football role instead.

The Frenchman's track record from his time in England is still held in high regard. Houllier may have failed to deliver a Premiership title for the Reds during his reign but was responsible for a historic treble winning season which saw the club lift the Worthington (League) Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup.

Houllier is in England to attend Saturday's testimonial for Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher.

Caretaker boss Kevin Macdonald's chances of landing the job were also boosted this week by Aston Villa general manager Charles Krulak who insisted that the next manager will not be someone who does not value loyalty.

The former Vietnam veteran, who accused ex-manager O'Neill of thinking he was bigger than the club after he quit, is keen to make a long-term appointment for the role which may rule out the 62-year-old Houllier.

"There are those who seem to think we can waltz into any club and get a manager to leave their club and come to ours," he was quoted in the Sun as saying.

"Did it ever occur to you that I - speaking as a fan and former Marine, who values loyalty - may not want a manager who would up and desert his club for additional money? I may well think such a manager might not be right for our club. I am not sure getting someone who has baled out from their club is something I'd be comfortable about."

MacDonald has been employed at Villa in various capacities since 1995.