BBC pundits Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have been discussing Liverpool’s reported interest in Nottingham Forest defender Murillo.

It was claimed last month that the Reds had entered a battle with Chelsea for the Brazilian, with the Blues having also tried to sign the player during the summer. When Shearer raised concerns about the lack of depth at centre-half, Lineker suggested that Murillo could be a potential solution:

“I understand they’re after Murillo, you know, from Nottingham Forest, well they’ve been linked with him anyway.”

Shearer then replied:

“From Forest? Right, interesting. Those two at Forest have done really well this season, it’s one of the reasons Forest are flying high in the Premier League.”

Murillo has expressed an interest in leaving Forest

Speaking back in July, the 22-year-old made it clear that it would be open to joining a bigger Premier League club, namechecking Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool as his preferred destinations.

Murillo said it would be ” a good opportunity” for him to showcase his talents at a team who could challenge for the title.

Liverpool would have to pay a sizeable fee

Despite the fact that Forest paid just £15m for Murillo last year, reports suggest that they would want at least £60m for the player in a future transfer window.

The Brazilian is a left-footed centre-back so there are some suggestions that he could be a possible long-term replacement for captain Virgil van Dijk.

While the Dutch defender could still stay at Anfield beyond the end of the season if he signs a new contract, he will be 34 next July so bringing in someone like Murillo may make a lot of sense, even if he does cost a lot of money. Of course, with Chelsea and others also vying for his signature, it may not be easy to get a deal over the line.

Find out who is in Liverpool’s first-team squad for 2024/2025 season here