Liverpool are powering ahead with their plans to bring in centre-back reinforcements possibly in January but definitely in the summer transfer window at the end of the season.
The club are making progress in talks over a new deal with Virgil van Dijk and the Dutchman is now expected to sign a fresh contract to extend his stay at the club.
However, that is unlikely to change the club’s plans to bring in a centre-back next summer who could go on to eventually replace Van Dijk in the team for the long term.
England and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is a big target for the Reds and they have also been keeping tabs on Sevilla’s Loic Bade who could be available in the January transfer window.
However, one name is rapidly gaining traction in the recruitment meetings at Liverpool and has been gradually emerging as the top defensive target for the Merseyside giants.
The club want the Premier League hard man regardless of Van Dijk’s future
Nottingham Forest have surprised everyone this season with their start to the season and they are sitting fifth in the Premier League table.
Murillo, at the heart of the Forest defence, is a massive reason behind the club’s early season performance.
He has been brilliant for the East Midlands club and it emerged recently that Liverpool have been closely monitoring his showings this term.
However, it seems Murillo is emerging as a top target for the club and according to CaughtOffSide, the Reds are now keen to take him to Anfield.
He is seen as the long-term replacement for Van Dijk but they won’t wait for the Dutchman to leave before moving for the Brazilian.
Can you name the club Liverpool sold these players to?
Liverpool are prepared to sign the Forest defender next summer regardless of whether their captain stays or leaves.
Forest are acutely aware of the interest Murillo is attracting but are remaining steadfast about not wanting to sell him in the winter window.
Murillo is likely to cost somewhere around £70m if Liverpool decide to push ahead and try to sign him at the end of the season.
However, it seems Liverpool are ready to press forward with an attempt to sign the defender at all costs.
