Liverpool transfer news: Forest to demand huge Murillo fee

Nottingham Forest will demand a huge fee from Liverpool for Murillo, according to reports. The Reds like the defender.

Nottingham Forest face financial trouble and could be forced to sell some of their best players to stay afloat. They've already been docked points, of course - this summer will be a massive one for their future.

The Daily Mail reported this week that Murillo is one of the players they could sell once the transfer window opens. They also claim that Liverpool are one of the clubs looking at the Brazilian.

However, it appears the chances of a cut-price deal are slim. The Telegraph now claims Forest will demand over £50m for Murillo in the summer, and have a similar price tag on Morgan Gibbs-White.

Now, Liverpool aren't the only club interested in Murillo - and that's likely the key here. Forest may face pressure to sell but the interest in their players means the price really doesn't need to drop very far.

And if they can secure a big fee for at least one star, it will limit the number of players they need to sell.

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 £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, even if the price tag remains high. And if Liverpool want a new centre-back, he may be one of the best options going.