Steven Gerrard and NSWE are set for a big Aston Villa transfer test

The arrival of Steven Gerrard in November heralded a new era at Aston Villa.

One in which the club would use the Liverpool legend's power in the transfer market to make major moves.

We have already seen the influence Gerrard can have in bringing Philippe Coutinho in on loan from Barcelona until the end of the season.

Summer after summer of speculation was ended last August when Jack Grealish signed for Manchester City in a British record transfer deal with Villa fans hoping that, as a result, their other key players would not be available for sale.

The calibre of players Villa are now able to recruit means there will always be speculation and talk and it is a credit to Nassif Sawiris and Wes Edens that they have crafted a squad that is garnering such attention.

Friday night's claims from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano regarding right-back Matty Cash have set tongues wagging among Villa supporters on social media.

It is being reported that Atletico Madrid are 'seriously interested' in bringing the 2020 signing from Nottingham Forest to the Spanish capital and contact has been initiated by Diego Simeone's side.

Atleti want a new right-back after Kieran Trippier left the Wanda Metropolitano for Newcastle United in January.

Cash was brought in from Forest by Dean Smith as a replacement for Frederic Guilbert and Ahmed Elmohamady and has largely been a success with the player taking to the Premier League with ease.

The 24 year-old Poland international's performance levels have dropped off slightly this season, though, but that happens and should not be a cause for concern.

Gerrard and sporting director Johan Lange have a test on their hands if Atleti firm up their interest, though, with Cash's contract situation