Former Rangers coach Michael Beale is wanted by a second Championship club after QPR made an ‘official approach‘ for Steven Gerrard’s right-hand man at Aston Villa – with Blackburn the latest club to be linked with a move for him.
According to the Sun, Rovers want Beale to replace Tony Mowbray as manager but are worried they may miss out on him amid the interest from QPR.
Beale has been widely credited as the tactical ‘brains’ of Gerrard’s coaching staff and has made no secret of his desire to branch out into management on his own.
Gerrard himself has insisted he won’t stand in anyone’s way and it seems that Beale may have a decision to make sooner rather than later over his future having already been linked with a return to Charlton, saying: “I’ll never stand in anyone’s way who doesn’t want to be a part of this journey, that’s for sure. That goes for staff or players.
“It’s no surprise that he’s linked with another club, I think that’s been the case since I’ve known Mick.
“He’s very highly thought of in the world of football, so I’m not surprised.
“It’s not the first time that’s been asked. In terms of what he’s thinking, I’m sure that’s a question for him.”
Beale started his career Chelsea working under managers including Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Gus Hiddink before sandwiching a spell with Brazilian side São Paulo between stints at Liverpool.
The Londoner joined Rangers as part of Steven Gerrard’s coaching staff in the summer of 2018, helping the Gers to the Scottish Premiership title before following Gerrard back south to Aston Villa in November.
Michael Beale looks destined for managerial role in near future
Beale looks as though he will go his own way before too long, even if he doesn’t end up taking charge of QPR or Blackburn.
His stock has only continued to rise in recent years and it seems as though he will step out on his own within the next few months.
How that will work out for him – or Gerrard – is anyone’s guess and it will be interesting to follow both and compare quite how they go.