Manchester United are reportedly considering signing Murillo from Nottingham Forest in the summer transfer window as they look for a replacement for Harry Maguire. Maguire’s current contract expires at the end of this season, and he only signed a one-year extension last summer.
The former United captain has started just four games this season due to a hamstring problem. Aiden Haven has filled that void, appearing in the club’s last eight Premier League games. United currently have Lenny Yolo, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt as other centre-back options in their four-man defence.
According to the Daily Mail, United are looking for a replacement for Maguire and Murillo has emerged as a potential shortlist. Despite signing a new contract just 12 months ago, the Brazilian, who is valued at £48m by Transfermarkt, is said to be open to leaving the City Ground.
After committing his future to the club, Murillo said: “I’m very grateful that I have four more years and I’m very happy. I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me, but also to my family.” Everywhere I go, every store, they treat my family and me really well, so I’m very grateful for everything they do for the team and me. I am confident that we have a great future ahead of us. ”
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis added: “We have big dreams and so does he. He believes in the power of what we are doing at this great club. If we share the same bold ambitions, there are no limits to what we can achieve together.”
However, things have changed dramatically over the past 12 months. With the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest once again find themselves languishing in the lower reaches of the Premier League. Forest sit seven points above the drop zone but are certain to miss out on next season’s European competition unless they claim Europa League glory. United boast an 11-point advantage over Murillo’s current employers and have hopes of securing continental football next campaign.
Meanwhile, Maguire has already accepted the stark reality that, as things stand, this season will be his last at Old Trafford. After United’s win against Liverpool in October, he reflected: “I’ve been here for seven years so it was tough not to get the win. To be honest, it was a bit on my mind. It’s my last year so it might be the last time I play at Anfield for this club, so it’s really important to come here and get the win.”
Speaking about a contract extension in August, Maguire revealed: “That clause was in their hands last year so I didn’t have a choice there. There was no discussion. They just triggered it and it was an extension.”
“This year, obviously, I’m awake at the end of the year. I’m sure the club knows this summer that I can’t leave on any terms because other clubs are inquiring about me and my contractual position. “They’ll have to have discussions over the next few months and talk about where they want to go and whether they want to extend. Otherwise, of course, the transfer window will open up again in January.”
“Of course, I know in my heart what I want to do and what I want to be. I don’t want to tell people too much about it, but it’s a great club to play for and it would be foolish to want to jump out of there as soon as possible.”
