Aston Villa braced for La Liga approach as champions eye replacement for England star

Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are reportedly considering a move for Aston Villa defender Matty Cash.

The La Liga champions are in the market for a right-sided defender after they sold England star Kieran Trippier to Newcastle United during the Janaury transfer window.

The Daily Mail have reported Atleti have been “impressed” with Matty Cash and could make a move for the Poland international this summer.

Cash joined Villa in September 2020 and has been a regular feature of the side under both Dean Smith and current manager Steven Gerrard.

Villa eye ambitious double swoop

Steven Gerrard is looking to rival some of European football’s biggest clubs for two of his top transfer targets this summer - according to the Express.

The Liverpool legend is set to be keen on a reunion with former Anfield team-mate Luis Suarez, who has entered into the final months of his current contract with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.

With no new deal on the table, Suarez is expected to leave the club and Gerrard is hoping to win the race for the Uruguayan striker.

The Villa will face stiffer competition for his other main transfer target with the likes of Barcelona and PSG also said to be monitoring AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.

The Ivory Coast international is out of contract this summer and is said to be on Gerrard’s radar with uncertainty surrounding the future of current Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.

Former Villa star believes transfer target should snub interest

Former Aston Villa star Paul Merson is not surprised Liverpool star Joe Gomez has a number of clubs showing interest in him - but believes the England defender should remain at Anfield.

Villa have been heavily linked with a move for the former Charlton Athletic defender, who has struggled for game-time at Liverpool thanks to the form of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip.

A summer move away from Merseyside has been mentioned - but Merson insisted the defender will benefit from remaining with his current employers.

Merson told SportKeeda: “"Gomez is another player who has been talked about a lot in recent weeks, with his lack of game time an obvious issue at the moment,.

“He won’t be short of suitors and the decision will ultimately be his at the end of the season, but I do think he should stay at Liverpool.

"They are a really successful team and will compete on all fronts next season, so he will play enough games.”

Watkins eyed by Premier League rivals

Aston Villa are said to be “open to offers” for England forward Ollie Watkins - and Premier League rivals Arsenal are ready to make a move.

Football Insider have stated that Villa boss Steven Gerrard remains unconvinced by the former Brentford star and could would be willing to allow him to leave Villa Park for the right price.

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