Houllier confirms Damiano interest

Damiano, who was fired alongside Jean Tigana by the London club late last season, first worked with Houllier at the hugely successful Clairfontaine academy in France. Houllier knows from his time there just how important an acquisition Damiano could be.

Houllier said: "All things being well, Christian will join us for next season. He's an excellent coach who is responsible for helping nurture some of the biggest talents in France, such as Henry and Gallas."