Nottingham Forest could receive up to £16m for highly-rated defender Cash
Thursday 3 September 2020 11:23, UK
Matty Cash has joined Aston Villa on a five-year deal from Nottingham Forest.
Villa agreed an initial £14m fee for Cash on Wednesday after seeing three previous bids for the player rejected by Forest. Forest could receive up to £16m for the right-back if all clauses and performance-related bonuses are met.
Cash underwent a medical and agreed personal terms with Villa on Wednesday night before inking a contract with the club on Thursday.
In a social media post, Cash said: "Absolutely buzzing to have signed a five-year deal at Aston Villa. Something I've always dreamed of since I was a young boy to play in the Premier League, it really is a dream come true.
"I can't wait to meet up with the squad, meet everyone around the club and the supporters!"
A source close to Cash has told Sky Sports News that Villa boss Dean Smith was a big factor in his decision to make the move from Forest and that the 23-year-old is excited by the prospect of playing in the Premier League.
Smith said: "We are delighted to welcome Matty to Villa and believe we have secured one of England's brightest young prospects.
"He has an excellent playing record for a young player and we believe he will settle in easily and continue his rapid development into a top full-back."
Sheffield United and West Ham both made bids for the defender earlier this summer, while Southampton and Serie A side AC Milan had also maintained an interest in the player.
Cash scored eight times in 41 appearances last season as Forest just failed to make the Championship play-offs.
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