Aston Villa announce the £16m signing of Nottingham Forest right-back Matty Cash

Aston Villa have sealed the £16m signing of Nottingham Forest full-back Matty Cash after beating off competition from their Premier League rivals. 

The Midlands outfit had a number of bids rejected for the 23-year-old but finally reached a breakthrough in talks with Forest this week. 

Now Dean Smith’s side have now wrapped up the deal despite interest from the likes of Fulham and Sheffield United. 

Aston Villa have completed the £16million signing of Nottingham Forest full back Matty Cash

Smith said Cash had the potential to be a top star and believes he will have no problems gelling into the first team. 

‘We are delighted to welcome Matty to Villa and believe we have secured one of England’s brightest young prospects.

‘He has an excellent playing record for a young player and we believe he will settle in easily and continue his rapid development into a top full-back.’

Cash impressed last season as he caught the attention of a number of Premier League clubs 

Cash had an impressive campaign with Forest in 2019-20 as he helped them push for a play-off spot as he scored three goals and provided five assists. His displays were recognised by supporters as he won the club’s Player of the Year Award. 

He emerged from Forest’s academy and made his first team debut in August 2016 following a loan spell at Dagenham & Redbridge the previous season. He has made 141 appearances for the club, scoring 13 goals.

Villa have completed their first major signing of the summer with their first game of the season against Sheffield United just over a week away.