Nottingham Forest Academy manager Gary Brazil has bid an emotional farewell to Matty Cash ahead of the defender's £14million move to Aston Villa.
A deal has been agreed between the two clubs and Cash is now set to undergo a medical before becoming Villa's first signing of the summer.
The Nigel Doughty Academy product will leave the City Ground on the back of a fine season which saw him crowned the club’s player of the year.
He played a key role for the Reds last term, moving from a more advanced role to full-back under the guidance of Sabri Lamouchi.
Sheffield United saw an offer for Cash rejected, while Fulham, West Ham United and Italian giants AC Milan were also interested in the 23-year-old.
But Villa are now set to land the player in a deal that could be worth up to £16m including add-ons.
Brazil took to Twitter to comment on Cash's impending Forest departure.
"Mixture of emotions for the Academy today," he said. "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.
"All the very best Cashy."
