Liverpool risk losing race for Murillo as Chelsea prepare UNIQUE transfer bid

Liverpool are on the brink of missing out on a reported transfer target in Murillo as Chelsea attempt a unique bid for the player.

The Guardian reports that Chelsea are readying a bid for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo. The Brazilian has long been linked with a move away from Forest - and the Blues want to get it done.

However, their much-publicised financial woes make this a difficult one to pull off. Chelsea hope to make it happen without spending much money, which is a problem for a player valued at £70m by his club.

Thus the Blues want to include Trevor Chalobah in the deal. That could significantly bring down the overall outlay - providing Chalobah wants to move to Forest.

And the indications are that he wouldn't. While he's open to leaving (and Chelsea actively want to sell him), the defender hopes to sign for a team challenging in Europe.

Forest certainly can't offer that next season, meaning it's unlikely Chalobah is heading there. If he doesn't, Chelsea will need to find another way to pay for Murillo.

Liverpool linked with Murillo

Liverpool have been linked with Murillo, too, though not for a little while. The Daily Mail wrote back in March that he was on the Reds' shortlist.

Whether the club actually want a new centre-back isn't clear, however. Joel Matip leaving this summer certainly creates a gap in the squad, meaning someone new could arrive.

But it's very possible that Liverpool feel Jarell Quansah has already filled the squad. Filled it adequately enough to avoid dropping £70m on a new defender, anyway.

There have been links with Leny Yoro but the sense is that he's a truly unique, outstanding talent. Liverpool certainly have space and money for a player like that - but anything less, we're not sure the club will justify.

Murillo, then, feels more likely to be wearing blue next season than running out in a Liverpool shirt.