As many as six clubs in the Championship are reportedly contemplating whether to make an approach for Aston Villa youngster Tim Iroegbunam.
The Premier League club have a number of prospects who are currently staking a claim for a regular spot in Steven Gerrard's first-team squad, particularly in midfield.
That is the case with Iroegbunam, who was provided with three appearances in the top flight during the closing months of the campaign.
Having made substitute outings against Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City respectively, the 18-year-old was handed a start against Norwich City at the end of April.
Gerrard has previously talked up the attitude and ability of the teenager, who recently penned a new five-year contract at Villa Park.
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However, the Englishman has a decision to make regarding the next stage of Iroegbunam's development given the inevitability of approaches being made for his signature.
According to BirminghamLive, six teams at the second tier are interested in signing Iroegbunam on a season-long loan deal.
The most notable of those clubs is Queens Park Rangers with former Villa backroom staff member Michael Beale having recently moved to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium to replace head coach Mark Warburton.
Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers, two other clubs who flirted with promotion to the Premier League in 2021-22, are also said to be monitoring the situation.
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Stoke City, Swansea City and Bristol City complete the current list of teams who may put forward a proposal for the England Under-19 international over the coming weeks.
Iroegbunam came on as a substitute as England won the Under-19 European Championship on Friday evening, the Young Lions coming from behind to beat Israel by a 3-1 scoreline in the final.
With the player now due to spend a period on holiday ahead of the new campaign, there are unlikely to be any rapid developments with regards to his future.
Gerrard will also have the time to assess his options with Boubacar Kamara having already been signed to bolster the team in the middle of the pitch.
The report claims that Gerrard currently has no intention of signing another central midfielder this summer.
Darren Plant
