The latest transfer news as Nottingham Forest consider a bombshell Aston Villa swoop.
Nottingham Forest are exploring a surprise deal to re-sign Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash on a permanent transfer, according to a reputable report.
Forest are in the market to strengthen the right side of defence before the end of the summer window, which slams shut on September 1. Efforts have been made to sign Manchester City academy product Rico Lewis, but such a deal could prove to be expensive and alternatives are being sought.
Nuno Espirito Santo, who led Forest to an impressive seventh-placed Premier League finish last term, ending the Nottingham club’s 30-year wait for European football. Europa Conference League action was on the cards until Crystal Palace were demoted from the Europa League, and Forest took their place.
Nottingham Forest eye £14m Aston Villa defender
As Villa have discovered themselves in recent seasons, squad depth is pivotal when embarking on lengthy campaigns in European competition. Forest, who boast a back four of Ola Aina, Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic and Neco Williams, had the sixth-best defensive record in the Premier League last term but there aren’t many backups for any of those players.
Cover at full-back is particularly light. To rectify that, The Athletic reports Cash has emerged as an option. Villa are yet to receive a formal approach but Forest have shortlisted Cash, who left the City Ground for Villa Park back in 2022 for a £14 million fee, ahead of a possible romantic return.
Continue Reading