Nottingham Forest's star defender Matty Cash appears to be inching towards his dream of playing in the Premier League as Aston Villa close in on a deal for the full-back.
Sun journalist Alan Nixon told a Villa fan on Twitter today that a move is now looking increasingly likely as Dean Smith looks to fend off serious competition for the right-back.
Nixon said: "Numbers involved are all getting close. Within touching range. Up front and extras. Villa want him. Forest want to sell."
A string of top-flight clubs have been linked with Cash over the summer including Sheffield United, Fulham, West Ham and Burnley.
But Villa are reportedly in the final stages of wrapping up a £12m deal for Forest's player of the season and have the luxury of not having to sell players before they can buy.
Smith is looking for a new right-back this summer having alternated between Frederic Guilbert and Ahmed Elmohamady and Cash's performances for Forest last term have put him at the top of their shortlist.
Forest had reportedly put a £15m pricetag on Cash before they would even consider doing business and that money would likely be reinvested in the team as boss Sabri Lamouchi continues to strengthen his squad after making an impressive start to his transfer business.
They have already signed striker Lyle Taylor, midfielders Jack Colback, Fouad Bachirou and defender Tyler Blackett.
