Manchester United, Liverpool to battle for £40m-rated centre-back?

Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly interested in Nottingham Forest defender Murillo.

The Brazilian established himself as a key player in the Forest lineup after he completed a £15m move from Corinthians last summer.

Murillo started 32 matches in his first Premier League campaign, helping the Tricky Trees extend their two-year stay in the top flight.

Forest are expected to entertain offers for some of their star players as they look to raise funds to help meet the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.

Murillo is believed to be on the list of players who could be sold despite being under contract until the summer of 2028.

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Man United set to rival Liverpool for Murillo

According to Football Insider, Premier League rivals Man United and Liverpool are both showing an interest in the 21-year-old.

The report claims that the two Premier League giants could face competition from French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Due to the significant interest, Forest are hoping to take advantage of a bidding war between Murillo's potential suitors.

The Tricky Trees are believed to be looking for a fee in excess of £40m which would represent the second-highest sale behind Brennan Johnson's £47.5m move to Tottenham Hotspur last summer.

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Man United, Liverpool both looking for defensive reinforcements

Man United have seemingly identified Murillo as a possible target as they continue to search for a Raphael Varane replacement.

Frenchman Varane will officially end his three-year stay at Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the month.

The Red Devils are also considering a move for Sporting Lisbon's Ousmane Diomande, who could be available for a £35m fee.

Like their rivals, Liverpool are keen to bolster their backline following the departure of an experienced centre-back.

Joel Matip will become a free agent when his contract runs out on June 30, freeing up space for the Reds to recruit a new defender to add to their current options of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah.