• Premier League

Houllier happy to wait on Larsson

ESPN staff
January 29, 2011
Sebastian Larsson is expected to stay at Birmingham until the end of the season © PA Photos
Enlarge

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier expects to resume his pursuit of Birmingham midfielder Sebastian Larsson in the summer.

Villa made an unsuccessful bid for the Sweden international and Larsson has been told he will be expected to honour his contract which expires in June, when he will be a free agent.

"I knew Larsson's contract was up at the end of June, so obviously I was interested because he's a good footballer, good passer," Houllier said. "He can play different positions. I think he even played right-back at Arsenal.

"I think he would have been good for us. He's staying at Birmingham for now. But in June the door will still be open."

However, with Newcastle, Stoke and Blackburn all expressing interest in Larsson, Houlllier could face a fight on his hands to land the Swede.

Houllier also confirmed he had no intention of letting Stephen Ireland leave Villa Park in January, and he expects the former Manchester City star to return from his knee injury next week.

The former Liverpool boss had initially told Ireland he was free to leave in January, but has since backtracked, saying the midfielder had a future at Villa Park.

"Will Ireland still be here in February? Oh, yes," Houllier said. "Do I see him going anywhere? No. He should be back next week."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices