Atletico Madrid plotting a potential transfer swoop for Matty Cash

Atletico Madrid have identified Aston Villa defender Matty Cash as a possible transfer target as boss Diego Simeone looks to reshape his squad this summer. 

The Spanish champions are keen to sign a new specialist full-back after Kieran Trippier was sold to Newcastle in January and have been impressed by Cash, 24, who is in his second season with Villa. 

After lifting the title last season, Atletico have struggled this term and face a fight to secure qualification for next season’s Champions League. 

They are currently fifth in La Liga, behind fourth-placed Barcelona on goal difference, while the home leg of their last-16 tie against Manchester United finished 1-1. 

Cash joined Villa from Nottingham Forest for an initial £14million in September 2020, signing a five-year contract, and has been a regular under both Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard, making 55 appearances in all competitions. 

He has two goals and three assists in that time, including the opener in Villa’s 2-0 win at Brighton last weekend. 

He has also chosen to play for Poland, the country of his grandfather, rather than England and has won two caps.