Chelsea have had a longstanding interest in Nottingham Forest defender Murillo who has impressed at the City Ground this season.
The Blues were keen on landing the centre-back in the summer transfer window as a long-term replacement for Thiago Silva, but never made a concrete offer.
Chelsea were monitoring the defender who remains on their shortlist going into the January transfer window as the Blues aim to strengthen in their pursuit of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal.
However, they face competition from new potential suitors Liverpool who have identified Murillo as a target and are considering a move for the defender as a long-term replacement for Virgil Van Dijk whose contract expires at the end of the season.
According to TeamTalk, the Reds are keen on the 22-year-old who has helped Nottingham Forest to the second-best defensive record in the Premier League after nine matches. He joins current top target of Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio to replace Van Dijk at Anfield.
Murillo could help replace £42m-rated defender amid Bundesliga interest
The Nottingham Forest defender could emerge as an even-more important target for Chelsea should centre-back Levi Colwill leave which could happen due to interest from Bundesliga side Bayern Munich.
According to German Football Journalist Florian Plettenberg via Sport Witness, Bayern are interested in signing Chelsea defender Levi Colwill who they were keen on signing over the summer.
No move was made by the German club due to the amount of time it took Bayern to sell Matthijs De Ligt to Manchester United. Murillo could help to replace Colwill should Vincent Kompany’s side renew their interest in the 21-year-old.
How much could Chelsea pay for Murillo?
Murillo’s strong start to the season will only drive up his cost as Nottingham Forest have emerged as an outside candidate for a European football place.
Forest had initially valued the defender at between £60m and £70m in the summer which they will likely stick to due to his young age and high potential.
The Blues may have to dip heavily into their pockets to land the 22-year-old which means they could have to make a player sale in order to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations.
