Former Nottingham Forest man Matty Cash has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Atletico Madrid, according to The Sun. Aston Villa have confirmed, however, that the player won’t be sold prior to Monday’s transfer deadline.
The 24-year-old has been a revelation in the Premier League. He moved to Villa Park in 2020 after a £16 million bid was accepted by Forest.
He has grown as a footballer since being shifted to right-back by Sabri Lamouchi at the start of the 2019/20 campaign. It was his form in that position that ultimately earned him the move to Villa.
Cash is performing well under Steven Gerrard. As a result, Villa have made it crystal clear that he will be going nowhere before the deadline on Monday.
It’s been a remarkable two years for Cash. He’s gone from playing in a new position to earning a big-money move to Aston Villa, to now being linked with one of Europe’s elite clubs.
The report claims that Atletico would have to part with £40 million to secure Cash’s services. It is also thought that Forest have a sell-on clause due to them if Villa part with the defender.
Cult hero: Cash is a firm fan favourite at Forest
It’s too much of a stretch to say that Cash has legendary status at Forest. After all, he did only score 13 goals and claim 15 assists during 141 appearances for the club.
He does, however, go down as a cult hero and even today he’s a player who gets excited over his former club doing well and remembers his time at the City Ground fondly.
It really would be quite remarkable if he goes to Atletico. Diego Simeone’s men are regulars in the Champions League and the club boast tremendous facilities.
Forest fans will be intrigued as to how much the club will receive in the way of a sell-on. For Cash, the move could help him cement himself as one of Europe’s top right-backs.
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