Lyon capture of Baros 'imminent'

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Lyon capture of Baros 'imminent'

French champions Lyon say they are close to completing the signing of Aston Villa striker Milan Baros.

Coach Gerard Houllier confirmed on Friday he had made an inquiry for the Czech Republic international.

President Jean-Michel Aulas was quoted in L'Equipe as saying his arrival "is imminent and will be nothing more than a matter of hours".

The 25-year-old, who played for Houllier at Liverpool, has one goal in 17 league appearances this season.

Bernard Lacombe, a special advisor to Aulas at the club, said over the weekend: "Without being able to say with precision, I think in the next 72 hours, Baros should be at Lyon, without doubt on Monday or Tuesday."

Baros was top scorer in Euro 2004 but has since struggled to rekindle that form.

But Ligue One leaders Lyon are desperate to add some firepower to their squad, with Karim Benzema and Sylvain Wiltord expected to be out for some time with injuries.

There are also question marks over the future of John Carew, with the Norway international believed to have held talks with Werder Bremen regarding a move to Germany.

Baros was still at Anfield when he turned down a Lyon offer in 2005.

Houllier said then he wouldn't bid again for the player but he has now reconsidered, saying: "Only idiots never change their minds."

And Houllier, who signed Baros to Liverpool in December 2001 said: "We need to recruit and I'm glad the club is now working in that direction."

Credit: BBC Sport