Liverpool have been doing the groundwork to sign a "monstrous" Premier League star, who is now preparing to leave his club in the summer.
Reds eyeing new centre-back amid Konate uncertainty
With Ibrahima Konate's contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Reds secured Jeremy Jacquet's signature during the January transfer window, but Arne Slot is still hoping the Frenchman opts to remain at Anfield beyond the summer.
Slot said: “We are in talks with him so that tells you what we want. "It’s clear we would like him to stay but negotiations are ongoing so let’s see where that ends. We wouldn’t be in negotiations if we didn’t want him to stay."
The Dutchman also took the time to praise Konate's recent performances, saying: "Ibou has had a very good spell recently. He had a lot of good games earlier in the season but then he was also part of the reason why we conceded a goal."
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot-1
As such, there may be no reason to bring in another defender at the end of the season, but the Merseysiders are keen on signing a Premier League centre-back.
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Liverpool have been doing the groundwork to sign Nottingham Forest star Murillo, who is now preparing to leave the Tricky Trees in the summer.
The Brazilian's representatives are actively seeking out a move, with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also in the race, but the Reds' interest is the most advanced, alongside Chelsea.
With Joe Gomez's future also uncertain, Slot may need to bring in another defender in the summer, but a deal for the Nottingham Forest defender could be on the expensive side, as his current employers are expected to hold out for more than £50m.
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"Monstrous" Murillo could be exciting Konate replacement
The 23-year-old has a tendency to perform well in matches against Liverpool, receiving high praise from journalist Ryan Taylor after impressing last season.
The one-cap Brazil international also scored in the Tricky Trees' 3-0 victory at Anfield earlier this season, and he is enjoying an impressive campaign on a personal level, averaging 1.6 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League, the highest number in the Forest squad.
Most recently, the Forest star won three of the four duels he contested in a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, while also completing 27 of the 30 passes he attempted, which is a 90% success rate.
Murillo could now be ready to move to one of the Premier League's top clubs, and he could be an exciting Konate replacement.