Atletico Madrid plan move for Aston Villa defender Matty Cash

Aston Villa defender Matty Cash has emerged as a shock transfer target for Spanish La Liga champions Atletico Madrid, with the full-back ready to move to Spain in a deal worth up to 40 million euros. The Poland international, who joined Villa from Nottingham Forest in 2020, is ready to move after just one full season with his club.

Atleti are known to look far and wide in their search for talent, and manager Diego Simeone has been impressed with the performances of Cash in recent months.

It is understood that the Madrid side have made the signing of a new full-back their top priority and Cash was identified as the best available option during the January transfer window.

Having already signed a defender in Lucas Digne, Villa are ready to balance the books and let Cash leave for the right price. It is believed that Cash, who has over 3 years remaining on his current deal, had a conversation with manager Steven Gerrard regarding his future and informed the boss that he would like to complete a "dream" move to Spain.

If a deal cannot be agreed before the transfer window slams shut on the 31st, Cash could still make a transfer in the summer.