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Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has refused to rule out a return to the Premier League with Aston Villa.

Houllier, who left Anfield in 2004 following six seasons in England, has been linked with a director of football role at Villa Park.

The Frenchman would reportedly oversee a new-look coaching system at the Midlands club which would include current caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald remaining in charge of first-team affairs.

MacDonald has been in interim control since Martin O'Neill resigned on the eve of the new season.

Houllier was back in England on Saturday after helping manage the Reds during Jamie Carragher's testimonial game against an Everton XI at Anfield.

Speaking afterwards, the current technical director for the French Football Federation refused to rule out a possible move to Villa Park.

"Never and always are two words you can't use in football," he said.

During Houllier's six-year reign on Merseyside, Liverpool won a UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup treble in 2001.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email