体坛英语新闻：Former Arsenal star Pires in talks with Villa

LONDON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has been in talks with representatives of French veteran Robert Pires on Tuesday, revealed the English Premier League club.

Pires, 37, became a free agent after being released by Spanish club Villarreal this summer and has been training with his former club Arsenal recently.

Villa assistant manager Gary McAllister said he would welcome the arrival of an experienced player who would be an example for Villa's young guns.

"It would be perfect. I am sure he would arrive at the training ground in good condition," said Mc Allister. "He's a player everyone would look up to because of what he has achieved."

Pires played for Arsenal for six years until joining Villarreal in 2006. He was voted as the north London club's sixth greatest player of all time by fans in 2008.

Pires was also part of France's 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 winning squads.