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Matty Cash | Getty Images
Aston Villa have a decision to make about Matty Cash’s future with Nottingham Forest eyeing up a move
Aston Villa still have time to do some more transfer business before the end of the window. The market shuts on Monday 1st September at an earlier time than usual at 7pm. Unai Emery has the chance to bring in some more new signings before then to freshen up his ranks.
The Midlands outfit also have the opportunity to let some players head out the exit door as well if needed. Potential departures would free up space and funds in their squad to pave the way for reinforcements. They have to abide by certain PSR rules which means they have to be clever with their business.
Aston Villa’s Matty Cash eyed by Nottingham Forest
As per the Daily Mail, Nottingham Forest have enquired about the possibility of bringing back Matty Cash from Aston Villa. The Reds are interested in re-signing the player as they prepare for life in the Europa League. It remains to be seen at this stage whether he will be allowed to leave Villa Park.
Cash, 28, is a Poland international with 28 caps under his belt. He rose up through the academy ranks at The City Ground and was a regular for his former team at various different youth levels. The Slough-born man was loaned out to Dagenham and Redbridge as a youngster to get some experience under his belt.
He then went on to break into Nottingham Forest’s first-team and made 141 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with 13 goals. Aston Villa came calling for his services in 2020 and he has since enjoyed plenty of game time over the last five years. He has played 181 matches for his current club and has found the net on 10 occasions.
Cash has been a dependable option and is someone who has bags of experience at the top level now. He likes to get up and down the right flank of defence and get involved in attacks. If he did leave, they would certainly need to find a replacement.
Aston Villa should eye Nottingham Forest swap deal
If Nottingham Forest come in for Cash, Aston Villa should try and get one of their players in return as part of a swap deal plus money agreement. Striker Taiwo Awoniyi was left on the bench by Nuno Espirito Santo against Brentford in their opening game. He finds it hard to get into the starting XI ahead of Chris Wood.
The ex-Liverpool man wouldn’t be a bad option for Emery to have in his squad. He would provide back-up to Ollie Watkins and could offer them something different. The attacker is a handful and although he is raw, there is an unpredictability about him and his unorthodox style can cause problems to opposition defenders.
Awoniyi linked up with Nottingham Forest back in 2022 after their promotion from the Championship under ex-manager Steve Cooper. He has since played 84 matches and has scored 19 goals. He has also had spells in the past at Gent, Mainz and Union Berlin in the past, among others.
Aston Villa could do with as much depth as possible, especially as they have European fixtures coming their way over the coming months. They need to be smart with their recruitment and getting Awoniyi in return for Cash would be a shrewd move. Although it isn’t the sort of deal to excite the fans, it makes a lot of sense and could save them a lot of money to put towards other more eye-catching acquisitions.
His chances of taking Wood’s place at Nottingham Forest are very slim. The New Zealander scored twice against Brentford and will take some budging. Therefore, a change of scene would suit Awoniyi and provide a new challenge.
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