Aston Villa have agreed a £14 million deal with Nottingham Forest to finally win the race to sign defender Matty Cash, according to The Athletic.
Fulham, Leeds United, West Ham and Sheffield United had all been thought to be keen on the academy graduate but it’s Dean Smith who has got his man.
Cash will become Villa’s first summer signing and the deal will also include £2 million in the way of add ons.
It always seemed unlikely that the Reds would keep hold of their star man, with Financial Fair Play hanging over the club after 21 years without tasting Premier League football.
Selling Cash should allow Forest to keep hold of Joe Worrall and Lewis Grabban, both of whom have been linked with moves away from the club this summer.
The 23-year-old burst onto the scene as an attacking player at the City Ground having worked his way through the academy ranks.
Cash played 141 times for the Reds and last season he made the right-back spot his own after Tendayi Darikwa was ruled out for the campaign through injury.
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Capable of also playing on the flanks, the lively performer was crowned as Forest’s Player of the Year for the 2019/20 campaign.
NFN Verdict – Cash departure is sad but a sign of the times
Getting £14 million for one of their prized assets is pretty decent business by Forest in the end.
This doesn’t represent a lack of ambition from the hierarchy, it simply offers a stark reminder of how vital it is that Forest reach the Premier League in the coming seasons.
Without top-flight football for 21 years, the Reds are facing a massive battle to keep their players away from the clutches of the country’s elite teams.
This departure will probably ensure Forest pass Financial Fair Play for another year, whilst it could also give the club a little bit to play with in terms of signing a couple more players.
Cash tried his hardest last season and will go on his way with supporters’ very best wishes.
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