£16m Aston Villa star 'serious' summer target for European club

Atletico Madrid’s interest in Aston Villa defender Matty Cash is “serious” and he is among their top targets, claims transfer insider Pete O’Rourke.

The Spanish giants are likely to be in the market for a new right-back this summer after losing Kieran Trippier to Newcastle United in January.

According to the reliable Fabrizio Romano, speaking on a recent episode of the Here We Go podcast, Atletico are very keen on Cash as they look to address their situation at right-back.

Cash has done exceptionally well for Villa since joining from Nottingham Forest in a £16m deal in 2020, especially of late.

The 24-year-old has shown the qualities of a modern-day full-back, scoring and assisting in recent wins against Leeds United, Southampton and Brighton.

On his current form alone, you can see why a side like Atletico would be interested in the Poland international.

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O’Rourke has told GIVEMESPORT that Cash is one of Atletico’s priorities for this summer, with Diego Simeone in need of reinforcements after overseeing a disappointing title defence.

Speaking to GMS, the football journalist said: “The interest from Atletico Madrid is serious. He is among their top targets to fill the void left by Kieran Trippier’s departure to Newcastle.”

It is hard to see why he would not want to. While they are probably now out of the title race, Atletico will qualify for the Champions League if they can continue to see off competition from Real Betis, and that is an appeal for most players.

The chance to work under a world-class coach like Simeone may also be appealing. The Argentine really helped Trippier, who plays in Cash’s position, to