Manchester United are plotting a swoop to sign Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo, according to Football Insider.
After progressing through Corinthians’ academy, Murillo, valued at £41m by Transfermarkt, moved to England with just 13 Campeonato Brasileiro appearances to his name
Despite having relatively little experience in the top flight when he arrived, Murillo wasted little time establishing himself as a key figure in Forest’s backline.
The Brazilian has scored four goals in 125 appearances for the club, but his defensive contributions, including vital tackles, clearances and last-ditch interventions, have been just as important.
Forest have struggled this campaign, winning just two of their opening ten games, but Murillo has continued to demonstrate why he is so highly regarded in the league. His combative displays have remained a feature of his game, with his latest standout performance coming in the 3-1 victory over Manchester City at the weekend.
It’s no surprise his performances are attracting interest, with Football Insider reporting that Man Utd have set their sights on Murillo ahead of a possible swoop next summer.
The report adds that United boss Michael Carrick is a long-term admirer of the 24-year-old and could take advantage of Forest’s struggles to lure him to Old Trafford.
Providing more details on United’s interest in Murillo, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, in an interview with Football Insider, revealed that the Red Devils hold a longstanding interest in the Brazilian international, although it would take a ‘huge offer’ for Forest to consider his sale.
Murillo to Man Utd
‘Murillo is somebody Man United have liked for quite a long time now,’ Brown told Football Insider.
‘Obviously they’re not the only ones, because at his best he is a top-class player, and he would certainly be an improvement on the players they’ve got at the moment.
‘He’s quick, powerful, aggressive, excellent on the ball, can pass, isn’t afraid to get stuck in; it’s pretty much everything you want from a centre-back.
‘At his best, when you compare him to Lisandro Martinez, who plays in the same position, there’s such a big difference in quality.
He also suggested that United could be ready to launch a swoop to sign him should Forest indicate any desire to sell him amid their poor form.
He added, ‘They’re a good side, Forest, but they’re down the wrong end of the table, and if that continues, then their best players might be tempted away.
‘If there are any suggestions that Murillo could be allowed to move, then Man United should be all over it, because he would be such a big improvement for them.’
United will hope to record only their second Premier League win of the season when they travel to Anfield to face fourth-placed Liverpool on Sunday.
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