Chelsea now hold a firm interest in signing an "amazing" Premier League star, having been laying the groundwork, and a major bidding war could be on the cards.
Blues keen on signing new defender despite Sarr impressing
After missing out on Jeremy Jacquet during the January transfer window, the Blues opted to recall Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg six months early, and Liam Rosenior was left impressed by the 20-year-old's display in the 4-0 FA Cup victory at Hull City.
Rosenior said: "I know Mamadou so well. I think the acclimatisation, adaptation process for him hopefully will be faster because he understands the way I want to play, and he already showed that today.
"But I don't want to single players out. I just felt the whole team, from [Alejandro] Garnacho's energy and running Liam Delap, Estevao, midfield players, the back unit, Rob Sanchez."
The youngster received a SofaScore match rating of 8.5 for his performance against the Tigers, courtesy of making four clearances, blocking two shots and even creating one big chance.
However, with Sarr still young and inexperienced, the west Londoners remain keen on bringing in a new centre-back during the summer, and there has now been a new update on their interest in Nottingham Forest defender Murillo.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, the Blues now hold a firm interest in signing the Forest star, and they have been laying the groundwork for a deal, but a major bidding war is on the cards.
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Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are also credited with an interest in the Brazilian, who is clearly keen to secure a City Ground exit this summer, given that his agents are currently working on a move.
A deal could be relatively expensive, however, with the Tricky Trees expected to hold out for a fee of at least £50m, given that the centre-back signed a four-year contract last year.
"Amazing" Murillo ready for big move
A little under a year ago, Joe Worrall, who now plays for Burnley, lauded his former teammate, saying: "Murillo is an amazing talent. One thing I can say is he’s a real good kid and he’s someone who works hard in training. He’s a fighter and clearly knows what it takes to get to the level because he’s performing at it now – he’s no fluke."
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John Terry is way out in front, but plenty of other defenders have chipped in at the opposite end of the pitch.
The Sao Paulo-born defender has since gone on to make 18 appearances in the Premier League this season, averaging a WhoScored match rating of 6.85, the third-highest in the Nottingham Forest squad.
Scout Jacek Kulig was left particularly impressed by a solid display against Liverpool in November, with the 23-year-old scoring his side's opening goal in a 3-0 triumph.
Murillo is experienced in the Premier League, having now made 86 top flight appearances, and he could be a fantastic addition to Rosenior's defence.