Aston Villa correspondent Ashley Preece has dropped updates on four players ahead of the summer window.

The Lowdown: Youngsters out on loan

Villa were fairly productive in the January transfer window and even managed to secure loan moves in the Championship for Cameron Archer and Jaden Philogene-Bidace.

The pair joined Preston North End and Stoke City respectively, while Bertrand Traore has been missing for the majority of the season through injury and Trezeguet joined Istanbul Basaksehir.

Steven Gerrard appears to be making plans for his first full season in charge at Villa Park and Preece has now responded to claims regarding the quartet.

The Latest: Preece’s comments

Preece relayed comments from a Birmingham Live Q&A on Tuesday morning. One fan made market value claims on Archer and Philogene-Bidace, while believing it could make sense for the likes of Traore and Trezeguet to seal permanent exits.

This is what Preece had to say in reply, addressing all four players by revealing the plans are for Archer and Philogene-Bidace to be heavily involved in pre-season, while Trezeguet appears to be heading to a permanent exit.

“I've been told JPB and Archer are two players Villa want to keep around. The pair will be heavily involved over pre-season. Bertrand Traore has almost become a forgotten man given his hapless injury record. You'd say there would be suitors from across Europe who'll take him. He can be a handy player and could play as an unorthodox No.10. Trezeguet is, however, heading towards a permanent exit.”

The Verdict: Correct calls?

Archer has been scoring goals for fun under Ryan Lowe, whereas Philogene-Bidace has also been playing regularly in the second tier.

It appears to makes sense for Gerrard to include the duo in his pre-season plans, which could even result in the pair heading out on loan once again if first-team football cannot be guaranteed.

Meanwhile, due to Traore’s injury troubles, it could also be the right call to look to move him on, whereas it appears as if a decision has already been made in regards to Trezeguet’s long term future after shipping him out on loan last month.

In other news: Lange plots revenge on Tottenham as Villa now make pre-contract move for 'extraordinary' player.