Aston Villa transfer prediction made as Matty Cash linked with stunning move

Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips insists Aston Villa must tie Matty Cash down to a new contract to stave off reported interest from Atletico Madrid this summer.

The right-back has been linked with a move away from the club since the end of the January transfer window.

Spanish giants Atletico were credited with an interest with manager Diego Simeone said to be a big fan of the former Nottingham Forest defender, as he searches for a replacement for Kieran Trippier, who signed for Newcastle United in the winter window.

Cash has made 26 Premier League appearances this season and has scored three goals, with two of those coming in his last four games - he has also notched two assists in that time too.

And ex-Villa forward Phillips thinks Villa need to offer him fresh terms amid interest from elsewhere.

“He’s a tremendous player, I think we’ve seen that recently,” Phillips told Football Insider.

“There were a few eyebrows raised when Villa brought him in, but he’s proven those doubters wrong.

“Naturally there will be interest when you’re playing as well as he is, and Steven Gerrard will not want to let him go – that’s for sure.

“If it takes a new contract to keep him at the club, then they’ll do It, I’m sure. The Villa board have plenty of money behind them and they’re very ambitious.

“If they’re trying to break into that top six, you’ve got to keep your best players – and unfortunately for them that means having to offer a better deal.”