Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is weighing up adding to his staff.

The Birmingham Mail says Villa are searching for a new assistant head coach with Michael Beale close to being named as the new Queens Park Rangers manager.

The 41-year-old arrived at Villa Park alongside Gerrard in November after they worked together at Rangers. Beale was also one of several members of Gerrard's coaching staff that he previously worked with during his time at Liverpool's academy.

But Gerrard will now work without his trusted assistant for the first time in his managerial career as QPR are set to name Beale as their new manager this week.

Former Liverpool teammate Xabi Alonso is being linked with the position after leaving Real Sociedad as B team coach.