Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier is ready to cut loose Robert Pires.
Houllier has told Pires he can quit Aston Villa if he is unhappy.
The former France forward became Houllier's first signing at Villa when he arrived on a six-month deal in November.
But the 37-year-old's future was put into question after reports in France had him criticising Houllier's management.
Houllier, who maintains the Pires quotes were 'taken out of context' from a radio interview, said: "But even if he did say it, it's not going to change my life or the running of the team. If he is not very happy he can go."
