Liverpool Firmly in the Race for Nottingham Forest's Murillo with Major Bidding War Predicted

Liverpool are reportedly firmly in the race to sign Nottingham Forest defender Murillo this summer, setting the stage for a major bidding war with Chelsea and other Premier League giants.[4][1]

The 23-year-old Brazilian centre-back has attracted strong and serious interest from top clubs, with sources confirming he is preparing to leave Forest after hitting his ceiling at the City Ground. Murillo signed a new four-year deal in January last year without a release clause, and Forest will demand more than £50 million (€57.5m / $68m) for his signature.[1][2]

Liverpool and Chelsea have done the most groundwork over the past 12 months, even considering bids last summer. Liverpool's scouting department are big fans, having named Murillo alongside Jorrel Hato as alternatives to Marc Guehi last year. Despite recently signing Jeremy Jacquet for €60m (£52m), the Reds eye Murillo as a long-term replacement for captain Virgil van Dijk, who turns 35 in July and has just one year left on his contract.[2][1]

Chelsea remain the most advanced alongside Liverpool, while Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal, and others like Manchester City have monitored him extensively. Forest are aware of his ambitions and plan to hold firm for full value, similar to their stance on Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson.[1][3][5]

Murillo's camp is actively assessing options for a move to a top-six club, with all signs pointing to a competitive transfer market. Liverpool "should not be discounted" in hijacking efforts, per reports, as the situation remains fluid.[2][1]

(Word count: 298)