What Nottingham Forest are saying about Arsenal and Liverpool’s interest in Murillo

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Nottingham Forest are in no rush to allow one defender to leave despite interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.

Nottingham Forest avoided relegation last season under Nuno Espírito Santo and this is despite the club receiving a points deduction, like Everton who also remained in the Premier League.

Finances may well be tight for the East Midlands side and there has been a flurry of interest from some of the top sides in the Premier League for defender Murillo.

The Brazilian defender has made a big impact since moving to the City Ground back in the summer of 2023, where he signed a five year contract after leaving Brazilian side Corinthians.

Murillo attracting attention from Man United and Liverpool

Sources have told HITC that the representatives of the Brazilian defender have fielded interest from a number of clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool after a very impressive debut season.

Those at Forest are understood to be aware of the interest in the defender but with a contract until 2028, they’re under no pressure to sell the 21-year old.

Despite finances being tight, the club are understood to be in no danger of breaching profit & sustainability rules (PSR). This means Forest will drive a hard bargain for the Brazilian.

Part of the reason why PSR will not be an issue this summer is the imminent sales of Orel Mangala and Moussa Niakhate, who are both closing in on a move to French giants Lyon.

Both of these sales are understood to mean PSR will not be a problem, as mentioned.

Forest’s valuation for Murillo explained

Sources have told HITC that those at Forest are said to be holding out for a fee similar to what Everton are demanding for Jarrad Branthwaite.

HITC reported that Manchester United had agreed personal terms with the English defender but Everton were holding out for around £70 million for the 21-year old.

Forest are now understood to hold a similar valuation when it comes to Murillo in an attempt to fend off interest from across the Premier League.