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Gerard Houllier gloomy on Villa deal for Gueida Fofana
Fofana had been in Birmingham for talks with Aston Villa
Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier said a deal to sign France Under-19 captain Gueida Fofana was unlikely to be completed after talks stalled. Midfielder Fofana, 19, was in Birmingham hoping to complete a move from Le Havre worth about £800,000.
But Houllier said: "The Fofana deal is not done and I doubt it will be done.
"For the moment, an agreement has not been reached. I've got young players here already and you need a balance in terms of wages and abilities."
Despite admitting the move was in danger, Houllier emphasized Fofana's credentials.
"He's got potential. He's a 19-year-old player, very mature, with a strong personality," said Houllier.
606: DEBATE
It's good to see Houllier is taking a responsible approach to signing players
Morales_Villa
"He was captain of the France side that won the European Under-19 Championships.
"But it's more likely [the move] not to happen."
Houllier was, however, more optimistic about signing Colorado Rapids striker Omar Cummings on loan until March.
Cummings is having a trial at Villa and Houllier said: "The MLS season is finished and Omar will probably be here until March.
"He is quick and can also play on the wing and, don't forget, we have not many options up front at this time.
"I don't think we can say yet when he will be involved. We need a work permit and things like that so we will see. There's no cost, no risk."
Fofana had been in Birmingham for talks with Aston VillaAston Villa manager Gerard Houllier said a deal to sign France Under-19 captain Gueida Fofana was unlikely to be completed after talks stalled. Midfielder Fofana, 19, was in Birmingham hoping to complete a move from Le Havre worth about £800,000.
But Houllier said: "The Fofana deal is not done and I doubt it will be done.
"For the moment, an agreement has not been reached. I've got young players here already and you need a balance in terms of wages and abilities."
Despite admitting the move was in danger, Houllier emphasized Fofana's credentials.
"He's got potential. He's a 19-year-old player, very mature, with a strong personality," said Houllier.
606: DEBATE It's good to see Houllier is taking a responsible approach to signing players
Morales_Villa
"He was captain of the France side that won the European Under-19 Championships.
"But it's more likely [the move] not to happen."
Houllier was, however, more optimistic about signing Colorado Rapids striker Omar Cummings on loan until March.
Cummings is having a trial at Villa and Houllier said: "The MLS season is finished and Omar will probably be here until March.
"He is quick and can also play on the wing and, don't forget, we have not many options up front at this time.
"I don't think we can say yet when he will be involved. We need a work permit and things like that so we will see. There's no cost, no risk."
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