Manchester United are preparing a £70m bid to sign Nottingham Forest star Murillo to replace Harry Maguire, according to Fichajes.
The Red Devils have had a mixed season but currently sit one points off the top four following their 2-0 win over Man City on Saturday, in Michael Carrick's first game as manager since being appointed as caretaker for the remainder of the season.
The game also marked Maguire's first start since November, after he suffered a hamstring injury against Tottenham, but the England star is in the final six months of his contract at Old Trafford and the club are already eyeing potentail replacements.
Man Utd Prepare Murillo Bid
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Murillo, who has been described as 'one of the best young defenders in the Premier League', has been lauded for his performances since moving to the City Ground, and that attracted the attention of several clubs.
One of those clubs is Man Utd, and reports suggest that the Old Trafford club are preparing a bid worth £70m for the Brazilian as they plan a major overhaul of their squad in the summer.
With Maguire's contract expiring and no agreement over an extension in sight, the 23-year-old would be a perfect replacement for the England star, and the technical staff at the club have identified him as such. It's understood that club staff recognise that Maguire's time at Old Trafford is coming to an end, and they believe that Murillo's ability to play in a team with a high line is necessary.
Nottingham Forest are aware of the player they have on their hands, and it's reported that they would demand a club-record fee to allow him to leave in the summer, should they be able to avoid relegation this season.
The player himself has been labelled 'world-class', and would be open to leaving in the summer as he wants to play Champions League football, and the only way he could achieve that at Forest is if they were to win the Europa League against all odds.
Murillo is a Maguire Upgrade
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While Maguire has proven himself to be a top-level centre-back over the years, there's no doubting that he has his limitations and they are exposed at the highest level.
When it comes to defending his penalty area, there aren't many better. But once you start to dominate the ball and push up the pitch, he becomes vulnerable to pace and that has seen him caught out a number of times in recent years.
Maguire will be 33 at the end of the season, and with his contract expiring it would be the perfect time for United and him to part ways on good terms, and bringing in Murillo would be a major upgrade.
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