Aston Villa and Steven Gerrard's transfer priority revealed as huge decision ahead

Aston Villa and Steven Gerrard are set to 'prioritise' loaning the best young prospects within their ranks to former assistant head coach Michael Beale at Queens Park Rangers, according to reports.

Beale, who made the switch with Gerrard from Rangers to Villa last November, was announced as the new QPR boss at the beginning of June and has since been replaced by former Blackpool manager Neil Critchley on Gerrard's coaching staff.

According to The Express, Gerrard will now 'prioritise' QPR when deciding where the very best prospects within Villa's academy go out on loan. Players who could be made available include Tim Iroegbunam, Cameron Archer, Kaine Kesler Hayden, Louie Barry and Aaron Ramsey.

However, despite the preference from the Villa boss, Beale still may struggle to acquire the likes of Cameron Archer. The young striker has impressed whilst away with the England U21 side with four goals scored across three appearances, which has not only increased the transfer interest in the player but also his chances of playing a role within Gerrard's squad next season.