Nottingham Forest transfer news: Liverpool, Chelsea to battle for 22-year-old star?

Having seamlessly slotted into Forest's backline upon his arrival from Brazilian football, there has been speculation regarding Murillo throughout 2024.

That has only intensified since the beginning of this campaign, the 22-year-old starring in a Forest side who are proving to be one of the dark horses of England's top flight.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side have accumulated 16 points from their opening nine fixtures to sit in seventh position in the Premier League standings.

More impressively, just seven goals have been conceded during that period, the East Midlands outfit possessing the second-best defensive record in the division.

Nikola Milenkovic has formed a formidable partnership with Murillo since joining from Fiorentina in the summer, yet there are question marks over how long the pair will continue to work in tandem.

Liverpool, Chelsea monitoring situation

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have emerged as a strong contender for Murillo's signature ahead of 2025-26.

Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk are the only partnership that hold a stronger record than Milenkovic and Murillo in the Premier League this season.

However, despite positive signs that the latter may eventually extend his contract past the end of this campaign, he will turn 34 years of age in July.

With Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez the only backup to the aforementioned pair, Liverpool are said to be putting together a shortlist ahead of prioritising a new centre-back next summer.

The report says that Murillo has 'forced' his way into the conversation to ultimately replace Van Dijk as Liverpool's left-sided centre-back in the long term.

Are Chelsea prepared to make their own move?

Chelsea are also said to be monitoring the situation, albeit currently placing lower emphasis on adding another defender to their squad.

Enzo Maresca is reportedly happy with his current contingent of Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile.

The Blues have also already invested heavily in young Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino who is enjoying regular football on loan at Boca Juniors.