Soccer-Lyon chasing Czech striker Baros

...Gerard Houllier said on Friday.

"I can confirm that I saw Milan Baros's agent," Houllier told the club's Web site www.olweb.fr.

The 25-year-old Baros used to play for Houllier at Liverpool. He was still playing for the Premier League side when he turned down a Lyon offer in 2005, and Houllier said last year he would not make another bid.

"Only idiots never change their minds," Houllier added.

Houllier also hinted that Norway striker John Carew, who was not included in the squad for a French Cup tie against amateurs Laon this weekend, could soon be leaving the club.

"Carew is on standby," Houllier said. "It's a logical decision."

Ligue 1 leaders Lyon, trying to become the first side from a major continental league to win six titles in succession, have been hampered by injuries with midfielder Alou Diarra and striker Karim Benzema among those sidelined.

"This proves that I was right when I said we didn't have too many players," said Houllier. "We need to recruit and I'm glad the club is now working in that direction."

[PARIS/Reuters/Finance.cz]