Monchi and Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash [Credit: Imago]HomeExclusives Sun 12 January 2025 17:40, UKMatty Cash looks as though he could leave Aston Villa after Monchi was spotted on a transfer mission in Spain.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano via X (6 January), Villa have opened talks with Celta Vigo over a move for Oscar Mingueza - with Unai Emery's side willing to pay the right-back's PS16.

7million release clause [via Mundo Deportivo, 10 January].

In addition, according to the Sun on Sunday (12 January, page 58), Monchi was spotted in Madrid to watch January target Andrei Ratiu, who is also a right-back, in action for Rayo Vallecano as they recorded a 2-1 La Liga victory over Mingueza's Celta Vigo at the Vallecas Stadium on Friday (10 January).

Therefore, with Emery's side clearly keen on signing a right-back, ex-Villa scout Bryan King - speaking exclusively to Villa News - has suggested Cash could be moved on.

"What does this mean for Cash," King said.

"They have been talking about replacing him.

There is always going to be speculation when the sporting director is spotted watching a specific player.

It puts a question mark on Cash, and perhaps he will be offloaded by Villa.

"This player they're looking at is Spanish, as is Emery.

Therefore, that would make sense.

"MORE VILLA STORIESMatty Cash to leave Aston Villa in January? Villa need a new right-back, with Cash their only real option in that position.

Ezri Konsa has filled in on occasion this season, but the Englishman performs much better at centre-back.

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However, should a new right-back be brought in, Cash could still be sold, with unrest between the 27-year-old and Emery having been mooted recently.

Should that happen, Emery could look to rely on his new signing and Konsa as a backup.

Aston Villa full-back Matty Cash (Credit: Imago) However, it remains to be seen if a new right-back will be brought in, and that would surely have to happen first before the club even entertains letting Cash leave.

In other Aston Villa news, the club are close to completing their first signing of the January window.

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