European giants could test Aston Villa with summer transfer offer

Atletico Madrid are expected to test the resolve of Aston Villa once again in the summer transfer window as they seek a new right-back option.

Atleti, who are eyeing a Champions League quarter final place when they visit England to take on Manchester United in their second leg next week, are reportedly keen on Villa full-back Matty Cash as they look for a long-term replacement for the departed Kieran Trippier.

England international and right-back Trippier left the Spanish capital in the January transfer window, having helped the club to a La Liga title last season, to join strugglers Newcastle United and, along with their array of other winter signings, he has sparked an upturn in fortunes.

Cash joined Villa in the summer of 2020 from Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest for a fee in the region of £14m, and upon his arrival he signed a five-year contract - which has more than three years left to run.

In that time, though, he’s established himself as the club’s unquestionable first choice right back and he’s continued his excellent form shown under Dean Smith after the arrival of Steven Gerrard.

Cash, who has scored in wins over Everton and Brighton this season, has also since joining Villa made himself available to the Polish national team and he made his international debut in a 4-1 World Cup qualifying win over Andorra in November.

There was supposed interest in Cash in January, but Villa dismissed said interest and made clear their intentions to retain Cash, but reports coming out of Spain suggest that Atleti may return in the summer.

Emerson Royal, who only signed for Tottenham last summer, is another player who Atleti boss Diego Simeone is a fan of and is also said to be under consideration.

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