Aston Villa are still set to announce Gerard Houllier as their new manager today after it was confirmed that the Frenchman has been in Paris for talks with French football officials.

Houllier is believed to have met with Fernando Duchaussoy, president of the French Football Federation, to resign his position as France's technical director and will remain on the Continent until tomorrow.

Villa officials hope to release an official statement by this evening. And Houllier will meet with the players at Bodymoor Heath tomorrow before a press conference.