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)
According to The Sun, Southampton are eyeing a move for Nottingham Forest star Matty Cash ahead of the next season.
Cash, 22, is a product of Forest’s youth system. He came to prominence during the 2016/17 campaign after an impressive loan spell with Dagenham and Redbridge FC. Since then, he has been a regular member of the squad and has established himself on the right side of the pitch.
Despite his tender age, he has been an influential figure in the starting XI and has attracted a lot of interest from the top-flight. The report suggests that West Ham have been long-term admirers of the versatile player. Thus, Southampton should make a move for Cash, who could be available for around £12m.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men managed to finish the season on a high note despite hovering around the relegation zone in the first half of the campaign. Star striker Danny Ings led them brilliantly as he scored 22 goals and finished just one goal behind Jamie Vardy, the top scorer.
However, the manager needs to bring in reinforcements to several areas if the Saints are to do better next season. They managed to finish 11th in the league standings this term and are capable of doing better if they have the required depth.
At the moment, the saints have only four attack-minded midfielders in their ranks. James Ward-Prowse has been a regular member of the squad while youngsters Will Smallbone and Moussa Djenepo are slowly making their way into the starting XI.
However, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been heavily linked with an exit and his departure could be a huge blow to the depth in their midfield. And signing cash could help them keep their depth intact. Apart from that, the 22-year-old is also capable of operating as a right-back. He could be a crucial addition to Hasenhuttl’s squad as Kyle Walker-Peters is only on loan.
Cash is also capable of operating higher up the pitch and could be used as a right-winger. He would definitely provide the manager with an extra option and his versatility could come in handy for the club. He has contributed to 8 goals directly or indirectly in each of the last two campaigns and could only get better with experience.
At 22, the Slough-born versatile player is at the right time of his life to take a huge stride into the Premier League. He could provide Southampton with some much-needed depth in different positions. Thus, they should manage to lure Cash to St. Mary’s Stadium at the earliest.
