The hugely anticipated and expected move for Nottingham Forest full back Matty Cash has been finalised as the young 23-year-old joins Aston Villa in a signing that could be worth up to a record £16m paid to Forest.

One of the star players last season not just for the Reds but in the Championship, Cash provided a number of squash-buckling performances earning him rave reviews and a number of interested parties from a host of Premier League sides and clubs internationally even as far as Milan.

Having played 141 games for Forest scoring 13 times this move comes as no surprise as the Slough born star agrees terms with Villa who will pay an up front fee of £14m with potential future add ons depending on how well the player performs.

An academy graduate who started out as a midfielder, Cash was converted into wing-back by Martin O’Neill before Sabri Lamouchi opted to play him as an out and out right back where he made the position his own over the last year becoming the clubs player of the season and one that was regarded the best in the Championship by many for his position.

Whilst Aston Villa narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League last season they are a huge club and will suit Cash’s attacking philosophy whilst Forest may well delve into their newly boosted transfer kitty to replace him.

Currently at the City Ground are Tendayi Darikwa and Carl Jenkinson, two fully capped international footballers more than capable of filling the role left by Cash so the Reds might not be so hasty to spend in the right back area but the huge money paid is certainly cash that will boost the clubs coffers and is some that can be utilised towards the clubs promotion push.

Academy Manager Gary Brazil commented yesterday on Cash’s departure stating “Mixture of emotions for the Academy today. Excited for and proud of Matty’s progress throughout his time at the Club. Saddened to lose a lovely human being and someone who has been a wonderful ambassador and embodies everything strong in our Academy.”

Since 2016 Nottingham Forest Academy players have raised the club near £50m in transfer fees with the big money sales of Oliver Burke, Ben Brereton, Arvin Appiah, Ben Osborn and now Cash. Testament to a system controlled by Brazil to see potential in players so that they can make it to the top.

Everybody at Nottingham Forest from coaches, players and fans wish Matty well on his move after growing up through the system at the club he’s now more than paid back the faith everyone had in him. One for the future? A good season in the Premier League and an England call up could be soon on the cards.

*Main image @FootballLeagueW Matty Cash moves to Aston Villa for a fee near £16m.