Liverpool Transfer News: Nottingham Forest could accept cut-price offer for Murillo

Liverpool may have been handed an encouraging boost in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest defender Murillo.

The Reds have reportedly been tracking the 21-year-old for some time, with some speculating a move could be made in the summer.

A report in the Telegraph earlier this week claimed that Forest would demand a fee of over £50m for the highly-rated Brazilian.

However, with the club facing financial trouble, they could be forced to sell some of their best players to stay afloat - doing so at a cut-price.

Football Insider claims the Reds have set their sights on taking advantage of Forest's unenviable position, bringing in Murillo on a cut-price deal.

They say that while their lofty price tag currently remains the same, it could be slashed come the end of the season if they become desperate for cash or are relegated - something that looks far more possible after being slapped with a points deduction last week.

And with Liverpool expected to prioritise signing a left-sided centre-back in the summer transfer market, Murillo could find himself near the top of the wish list, especially if it's for a bargain fee.

LIVERPOOL LIKE MURILLO

There's a lot to like about Murillo, as Sam McGuire covered for Anfield Watch this week. He's 21, experienced in the Premier League, and has the on-ball skills you'd want in a defender.

But that doesn't mean there aren't concerning weaknesses. Murillo's aerial prowess is probably chief amongst those - and it's concerning enough that at the moment, £50m feels like a massive fee.

And, of course, talking about any transfers right now feels premature. No one knows who the next Liverpool manager will be, nor what system the Reds will play next season.

If it Xabi Alonso or Ruben Amorim, though, then the likelihood of singing someone like Murillo increases dramatically. Both play with three centre-backs and the squad doesn't quite have the quality for that just yet.

Murillo, then, is certainly one to watch. He will be available this summer, regardless of how his price fluctuates. And if Liverpool want a new centre-back, he may be one of the best options going.