Aston Villa sign Matty Cash from Nottingham Forest in £16million deal

The 23-year-old made more than 120 appearances for Forest, winning the 2020 player of the year award at the City Ground

Cash joins Villa from Nottingham Forest (Getty)

Aston Villa have signed full-back Matty Cash from Nottingham Forest for £16million.

The 23-year-old made more than 120 appearances for Forest, winning the 2020 player of the year award at the City Ground.

He has signed a five-year deal at Villa Park.

“We are delighted to welcome Matty to Villa and believe we have secured one of England’s brightest young prospects,” said Villa boss Dean Smith.

“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.”

A clutch of Premier League clubs were understood to have tracked the highly-rated Cash, but the Slough-born defender was convinced to join Villa by manager Smith.

Cash is delighted to make the top-flight step up.

“Absolutely buzzing to have signed a five-year deal at Aston Villa,” he tweeted.

“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.”