Manchester United striker Michael Owen is lined up to become Gerard Houllier's first signing at Aston Villa, reports the Daily Mail. Houllier will swoop for Owen in the January transfer window, offering him an escape route from Old Trafford where he has become a bit-part player.
The 30 year old has scored just nine goals in 14 months at United and would relish teaming up with the manager under whom he was named European player of the year in 2001.
And Owen's transfer would suit Villa chairman Randy Lerner's budget - with just a few months remaining on his contract a loan move or nominal fee would secure his transfer to the Midlands club.
