Manchester United have made checks on Nottingham Forest defender Murillo ahead of the summer, according to ESPN journalist Rob Dawson.
The Old Trafford side have not ruled out adding to their defensive options when the market reopens and have considered several left-footed centre-backs amid injury concerns.
Murillo has been a standout for Forest in a difficult campaign, with the club sitting 16th in the Premier League table, two points off the bottom three with seven games remaining.
While Forest remain in a strong negotiating position, with the £70m-rated Brazilian under contract until June 2029, relegation would significantly weaken their bargaining power over their most sought-after players, including midfielder Elliot Anderson, who is also on United’s shortlist.
Man Utd Making Checks on Murillo
According to Dawson, a new central defender is considered less of a priority for United ahead of the summer, but ongoing injury troubles could shift their thinking.
United have been without defender Matthijs de Ligt for the past four months due to a lengthy recovery from a back injury, as well as fellow centre-back Lisandro Martínez, who has missed the last five games with a calf setback.
Given United are set for a return to continental competition next season, greater squad depth will be needed, and a new centre-back could emerge as something they end up seriously considering.
United have recently extended Harry Maguire’s contract until June 2027, with an option for a further year.
The 33-year-old’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the season. Maguire is understood not to have taken a pay cut in his new contract, as United needed to pay the centre-back ‘good money’ to fend off interest from foreign clubs.
Murillo, who has been described as a ‘monster’, is reported to be open to a move away from Forest this summer after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising central defenders.
Midfield Remains Priority for Man Utd
A new midfielder remains top of the agenda for United ahead of the summer, with the club drawing up plans to replace departing veteran Casemiro.
The Brazilian is set to call time on his four-year Old Trafford spell once his contract expires in June, and has received an approach from MLS side Inter Miami.
United are considering Premier League-proven names to succeed Casemiro, with Forest’s Anderson, Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes among those.
The Red Devils could also look at cost-effective options, including Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes and Southampton’s Shea Charles.
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