Matty Cash of Nottingham Forest celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest. (Getty Images)
Former Leeds United defender Alex Bruce has tipped Leeds United to make a move for Nottingham Forest star Matty Cash, as per Nottinghamshire Live.
Cash, 22, is a product of Nottingham Forest’s youth system. He was sent on a three-month loan deal to League Two side Dagenham and Redbridge FC in 2016. After getting promoted to Forest’s senior setup, he made his debut in August 2016 in a 4-3 win over Burton Albion.
Since then, he has been a regular member of the squad and has established himself as one of the best players in the Championship. Though he is a midfielder, Cash has featured as a right-back throughout the season and has impressed in the role.
Leeds, meanwhile, have done an excellent job so far as they are leading the pack for promotion to the top flight. Whites’ boss Marcelo Bielsa has managed to take his team to the top despite a slight dip in form.
They have been brilliant in every department. Tjey were a point ahead of fellow promotion-chasers West Brom prior to the league getting suspended.
The attacking unit, led by Patrick Bamford, has scored 56 goals so far and the defence has conceded just 30 goals, which is the best defensive record in the Championship. However, most of Leeds’ first-team players are on loan and their commitment to the club is still uncertain.
Therefore, the manager should look to bring in reinforcements to the squad if they have to progress in future campaigns. Regardless of their league status, Bielsa should focus on strengthening several key areas.
The Whites have been brilliant at the back with the likes of Ben White and Liam Copper at the heart of the defence. However, on the right side of the defence, Luke Ayling is the only player available at the manager’s disposal.
In that regard, signing Cash would be a smart move for the Premier league promotion-seekers. The 22-year-old has been in fine form in the past two years and has helped his side to the 5th position in the Championship table.
Last season, he finished with 6 goals and 2 assists in 36 league games and has continued with the fine form into this term, racking up 3 goals and 4 assists. He is equally good in midfield and at right-back and his versatility would be a huge boost to Bielsa’s squad.
The Englishman is just 22 and has a huge future ahead of him. His inclusion to Leeds’ squad would also bring in a healthy competition for the right-back spot, whilst also adding depth. And if he is able to replicate the same form, he would be a good long-term investment for the Whites. Thus, Leeds should make a move for Cash.