France coach Laurent Blanc has backed Gerard Houllier's bid to try to lure Robert Pires back to the Barclays Premier League. The 37 year old, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, has been in talks with Aston Villa boss Houllier about a potential move to the Midlands club.
The former Arsenal star has been a free agent since his release by Villarreal in the summer, and Blanc, who played alongside Pires in Les Bleus' World Cup-winning squad 12 years ago, said: "If Gerard Houllier has made the decision, then Pires can offer something.
"He will not be wrong. Pires may be getting on in years but still has the skill and technique to bring something to the party at Aston Villa."
Villa assistant manager Gary McAllister said: "I believe he [Pires] is going to join us in the next two or three days.
"It's perfect. I am sure he will arrive at the training ground in good condition. He's a player everyone can look up to because of what he has achieved."
