AC Milan eye up surprise transfer for Aston Villa defender Matty Cash - but there's a catch for Christian Pulisic and Co

The Athletic claim the Serie A side have had a 'long-standing' interest in the right-back, but the Premier League side's price tag is likely to prove a 'stumbling block'. Villa would prefer to hold onto the 26-year-old and are unlikely to entertain lower bids for him this summer.

Villa are in a financial pickle, however. Unai Emery's side reportedly need to make a 'notable' player sale before the end of June to remain compliant with the Premier Leagues profit and sustainability rules. Cash could be one such big-money exit, along with striker Jhon Duran, midfielder Douglas Luiz, and defender Diego Carlos. If they don't sell this month, a points deduction could head their way.

Since Cash joined Villa from Nottingham Forest for £16m ($20.5m) in September 2020, he has gone onto make 142 appearances for the club, scoring nine times and bagging 10 assists. In that time, they have gone from Premier League relegation strugglers to the Champions League. Incidentally, his contract at the Villans runs until 2027.

Villa, who are reportedly looking to strengthen at full-back for next season, will return for pre-season next month, with friendlies against Walsall, Spartak Trnava, Columbus Crew, and RB Leipzig coming up in the second half of July.