French midfielder Yohan Cabaye has revealed that he was close to joining Aston Villa prior to his switch to Newcastle United.

The 25-year-old joined the Magpies during the summer from Ligue 1 champions Lille for an undisclosed fee.

However, he has now confessed that a move to Villa Park was only prevented by Gerard Houllier's departure.

"I had the possibility of going to Aston Villa," Cabaye told The People. "But it depended upon whether Gerard Houllier was going to continue in charge and as he ended up not staying I did not join them."

Cabaye opened his goalscoring account for Newcastle during last weekend's win over Wigan Athletic.