Will Forest cash in on their star man?
Nottingham Forest's Matty Cash is a man in high demand this summer, with plenty of top-flight clubs looking to secure his signature before the window closes. Forest missed out on the play-offs this campaign on the final day of the season, having been in the play-off places for the vast majority of 2020.
With Forest failing to secure promotion, one of their best assets may decide he wants a taste of Premier League football. Both Sheffield United and West Ham United have expressed their interest in the 23-year-old right back. This won't come as a surprise to many Forest fans, as Sabri Lamouchi has converted the former academy player into a star at right-back, having previously spent the last few seasons playing in a more advanced role.
What did come as a shock to fans, however, was the sudden interest in Cash from Italian giants AC Milan, who are still keen to strike a deal if Forest are willing to listen - and with Forest looking to stay with their Financial Fair Play limits, they might just have to.
Brian Clough, Forest's greatest ever manager, once said "every player has their price" which could once again, apply to this particular situation.
Sheffield United have made the first move for Cash, offering what was rumoured to be in the region of £10 million. Forest, however, did not entertain this, and it is believed the Reds are looking for at least £15 million, if they are to sell.
Despite the interest and with Forest having a figure in mind in which they are comfortable with letting their right-back leave, it has been reported that Cash is content at the City Ground and is not looking to leave.
The right-back has settled in Nottingham, living with his girlfriend, who has only recently set up her own hair and beauty business in the heart of the city centre - another reason as to why Cash may not be looking to move away from his local area.
Cash also might feel he has unfinished business, considering the way the season ended for Forest. It is possible the 23-year-old wants to have another go at promotion with Forest before potentially making the step up if unsuccessful next campaign.
Despite Forest's poor end to the season, they are fifth favourites to be promoted next season at 7/2 in the football odds so they are expected to be in the play-off hunt once again. With the likes of Leeds, West Brom and Fulham all promoted, next season presents itself as the perfect opportunity to get back to the Premier League.
Forest fans may remain cautious, however, as history may repeat itself. Nottingham Forest academy player, Oliver Burke, made it clear he did not want to leave the club back in 2016. But on transfer deadline day, former chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi sold the explosive winger to RB Leipzig for £13 million.
Fans of the Reds can take comfort in the fact their new chairman has yet to sell anyone behind their back and there is more structure at the club than there was four years ago. Matty Cash remains a Forest player, but it will be a long nervous summer for Forest fans.