
Virgil van Dijk has continued to be a massive player for Liverpool the season despite all the noise surrounding his contract situation and the potential of him leaving the club on a free transfer next summer.
Arne Slot recently admitted that the centre-back is the real leader on and off the pitch for the Reds and is still the most influential voice inside the dressing room.
However, Liverpool are sweating over his potential departure as he has yet to sign a new contract and despite confirming talks over a new deal, he remained non-committal about his future at the club.
The Reds are keeping tabs on several defenders as they are aware that they need a successor to Van Dijk even if he stays at the club beyond the end of his current contract.
Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is a player they admire and the defender is believed to be keen on a move to Anfield after ignoring interest from Newcastle last summer.
Nottingham Forest’s Murillo has been rapidly gaining traction in the recruitment meetings at Anfield due to his impressive performances in the Premier League.
The Liverpool target will be expensive
Forest signed the centre-back from Corinthians and he has been hugely impressive since coming to England last year.
His performances at the heart of Forest’s defence have attracted the attention of clubs such as Liverpool and Chelsea.
Liverpool’s interest is more concrete given their pressing need for a centre-back but a move for Murillo won’t be cheap under any circumstance.
The Brazilian has a contract until 2028 with Forest and the Midlands club are unlikely to accept any move in the winter window.
Can you name the club Liverpool signed these players from?
A move in the summer would suit all parties but according to TEAMtalk, it could take as much as £70m to snare him away from the City Ground in the summer.
Liverpool are prepared to splash the cash to secure a top-class replacement for Van Dijk and will continue to monitor Murillo over the course of the season.
The Reds have their eyes on defenders in Europe but the club would prefer to sign someone with Premier League experience, just like the way when they brought in the Dutchman from Southampton in 2018.
