Steven Gerrard’s highly rated assistant Michael Beale has emerged as a prime candidate for Championship side QPR.
It’s understood that the former Rangers coach has been identified as a replacement for Mark Warburton, after catching the eye during stints in the Premier League and SPL.
QPR are keen to make a high calibre appointment ahead of the campaign and are reported to have made an official approach to Villa.
Embed from Getty ImagesVilla have remained silent on this so far, with Beale widely considered to be a central figure in Gerrard’s back-room set-up. Indeed, the assistant is often lauded for being the tactical and technical brains of the operation, particulary in regards to success achieved north of the border.
Much will depend upon Beale’s managerial aspirations at a time when Villa enter a first pre-season with Gerrard/Beale at the club. Villa have also already made head-turning strides in the transfer market, having permanently signed Philippe Coutinho and pulled off remarkable coups in acquiring Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Embed from Getty ImagesIn what appears to be a very tentative rumour is a story linking Villa to transfer listed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The 28 year old has just a year left on his deal at Anfield and is reported to be interesting Villa, with Liverpool willing to part with the midfielder for a fee of around £10m.
Whilst Villa are in a transitional phase of both players and playing style, beyond the Liverpool connection of current manager Steven Gerrard, there doesn’t appear any huge logic to the move.
Villa appear to be pivoting towards improving the squad by (wherever possible) acquiring players who can replace an existing player from the starting XI. Chamberlain, although impressive in his earlier career, has stagnated since a 2017 move to Merseyside.
Further, the 35 time England capped player hasn’t enjoyed the best of periods injury wise. However, with over 200+ Premier League appearances, Chamberlain could offer versatility and experience from the bench in what will be the first season where 5 substitutes are permitted.
Naturally a number of clubs would give consideration for taking the Liverpool player, with West Ham cited as being another potentially interested party. Either way, this appears to be a remote rumour for Villa at a time when we seem to be casting our net very much further afield.