Fresh Aston Villa transfer claims made as Chelsea player 'preferred' to £14m star

Matty Cash was the subject of transfer interest from Spanish champions Atletico Madrid before the end of the January transfer window.

Atleti are looking for a new right-back after selling Kieran Trippier to Villa 's Premier League rivals Newcastle United last month.

The shock link to Cash emerged toward the end of January and it would be a big surprise to see the Poland international depart Villa Park, where he is settled and a key part of Steven Gerrard 's side.

Villa are pushing for a top-half finish this season and Cash will be hoping to keep his performance levels high to earn a call-up to the Poland team for the World Cup in Qatar later this year should they win their play-off in Russia in March.

Cash has been a consistent figure for Villa since he signed from Nottingham Forest for £14 million in 2020 and has adapted to life in the Premier League well.

Reports in Spain claim that Atleti's sporting director Berta remains keen on a move for Cash having been knocked back after an initial approach.

However Marca, via Sport Witness, say that Diego Simeone is not sure of Cash because he has not played enough top-level football.

The Atletico manager reportedly wants a move for Cesar Azpilicueta instead with the Chelsea captain out of contract at the end of the season and, like Simeone, a native Spanish speaker with the player 'preferred' to Cash.

Indecision in the ranks of Atleti could see them hold off on making a move for the player and see Cash remain at Villa.

Villa have Kaine Kesler Hayden, a rising star, in their squad but he is on loan at Milton Keynes Dons and it is unclear if he is ready to make the step up to Premier League level.

If Cash does leave Villa Park, Gerrard's men could command a huge fee for