Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea 'learn Murillo asking price'

Nottingham Forest have reportedly reached a decision over an asking price for in-demand defender Murillo.

The East Midlands outfit are currently battling to remain in the Premier League after an indifferent campaign under Steve Cooper and Nuno Espirito Santo.

Forest's are one point above the relegation zone with five matches remaining, three of which will come against direct rivals in the battle to avoid the drop.

However, as well as looking to avoid a return to the Championship after two years in the top flight, Forest have had issues off the pitch due to the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

A four-point penalty has already been enforced, and although they have appealed that punishment, club officials are aware that sales are likely to be required in the summer.

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Forest consider Murillo sale

Murillo is yet to complete a full season of English football, yet he has established himself as a key member of the squad and a player who has only increased in value.

Forest parted with an alleged £15m when signing the centre-back from Corinthians during the summer transfer window, and he has since made a total of 30 starts in all competitions.

Nevertheless, such as been the impact that he has made at the City Ground that Forest are aware that they will have chances to make a substantial profit should they so wish.

According to Football Insider, Forest will demand "well in excess of £20m" if clubs chase Murillo's signature after the end of the season.

The report adds that Forest may have to give the green light to a sale before June 30, the next deadline for accounting that could effect a range of clubs.

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Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea monitoring the situation

With Murillo being just 21 years of age, he is theoretically the ideal option for a wide array of bigger clubs who are interested in strengthening their respective backlines.

Liverpool are likely to be in the market for a replacement for Joel Matip, who is out of contract at the end of the season, while Man United are keen to lower the average age of their defence with at least one fresh face for the centre.

As it stands, Chelsea are well stocked for players for the middle of their backline, yet Thiago Silva is expected to depart on a free transfer and the future of Trevoh Chalobah is unclear.

Furthermore, Wesley Fofana may need to prove his fitness after a year on the sidelines with a serious knee injury, and Benoit Badiashile has been less than convincing of late.

From a different standpoint, though, Chelsea are also in need of making cutbacks before June 30, and may wait until after that date to make a move for new players.