Atlético Madrid are eyeing a move for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo and hoping PSR forces the Tricky Trees into a cheaper sale.
That’s according to journalist Sergio Fernandez, who say Atlético are already working on improving their defensive options in the summer and the Nottingham Forest star is on their list.
He reports that the Spanish side want a ‘top-level specialist’ for their defence and Murillo is the one they want, so much so that they’ve already started watching him live for Nottingham Forest this season.
The 21-year-old is an undisputed starter in Nuno Espirito Santo’s defence and ‘fits the needs’ that the LaLiga side have identified. There is also the bonus of him being a guaranteed player now and a ‘bet for the future.
At this moment in time he is valued at €20m and beyond, a figure Atlético would struggle to match, but the Spanish side are hoping that Nottingham Forest’s financial situation helps their cause.
The Tricky Trees are facing the prospect of points deductions this season for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules so need a major sale to balance the books.
Beyond that, there is the possibility that those deducted points could result in relegation to the Championship and Nottingham Forest would need to hold a fire-sale of players to reduce the squad and bring in funds.
Thus the option to get Murillo on the cheap could be there and Atlético Madrid would be an ‘unbeatable option’ for him to continue growing and competing in one of Europe’s top leagues.
The relationship between Nottingham Forest and the Spanish good is also good after deals for Renan Lodi and Felipe, while super-agent Jorge Mendes could also facilitate matters should the transfer become a possibility.
