Nottingham Forest defender Murillo and manager Nuno Espirito Santo
(Credit: Getty Images)
Mick Brown
Thu 3 April 2025 16:00, UK
Nottingham Forest are doing all they can to keep Murillo at the club beyond the end of the season amid interest from Chelsea and Liverpool.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that they will attempt to persuade the 22-year-old that they are his best option.
This comes after Chelsea saw an offer rejected for Murillo in January as he opted to renew the terms of his contract with Nottingham Forest.
Brown told Football Insider in February that Chelsea want to sign a new centre-back as a priority this summer despite missing out on the Brazilian in January.
Their interest in Murillo is believed to have lingered, while Liverpool are also considering him as an option to replace Virgil van Dijk should he decide to leave.
However, Football Insider revealed in November that Forest will demand a “huge fee” to consider selling Murillo after his impressive season at the City Ground.
Chelsea
Nottingham Forest plan to keep Murillo beyond the summer. (Credit: Imago)
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Nottingham Forest plan to keep Murillo amid Chelsea interest
Brown told Football Insider in November that Nottingham Forest are extremely reluctant to lose Murillo as he remains a crucial part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted Champions League football will be they key to keeping him at the club.
“He’s done very, very well this season,” he told Football Insider.
“What Murillo has done and what this Forest side have done collectively this season has been excellent.
“It’s a question of being careful what you wish for, because you could go somewhere else and it all goes down the pan.
“Where Forest are now is the perfect situation for these players to be in.
“They’re playing well, winning games, the crowd are behind them, they’re third in the league and into the FA Cup semi-final.
“So it begs the question – why would you want to throw that away along with the possibility of playing Champions League football with Forest next season?
“That’s what the manager and the board will be saying to the likes of Murillo over the summer.
“They’re going to do everything they can to keep him at the club alongside the likes of Gibbs-White, regardless of interest from clubs like Chelsea.
“It’s not an easy decision for the player to leave either, so I think they’ll be hopeful.”
Nuno Espirito Santo prepares for a busy summer. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Forest make Nuno Espirito Santo contract plan
On top of their plans to keep their best players at the club beyond the summer window, Forest are also putting plans in place to keep Nuno at the helm.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 31 March that Forest are desperate to keep Nuno and want to tie him down to a long-term deal at the City Ground.
The manager’s current contract is set to expire in 2026, and the board are now doing everything they can to hold on to him after a terrific season so far.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Forest have made Nuno’s contract their top priority before the end of the season.
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