Chelsea are currently overtaking Liverpool in the race for defensive powerhouses, with Liverpool keen to move to Stamford Bridge.
Blues intend to sign three defenders this summer
The Blues are looking to reshape their defense in the summer transfer window, with transfer expert Graham Bailey revealing they are prepared to let three centre-backs go if suitable offers are received.
Liam Rosenior may therefore need to bring in some new defenders at the end of the season, especially considering the manager missed out on signing Jeremy Jacquet, who ultimately opted to join Liverpool.
The west Londoners are also in contention with the Merseysiders over the contract of Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly, who carries a £43m price tag, and the Englishman is not the only centre-back that both Premier League clubs are interested in.
Last week it was revealed that the entire Premier League’s ‘big six’ were interested in signing Nottingham Forest star Murillo, followed by another update that Rosenior’s side are looking to sign the defender.
Football Insider reports that Chelsea have overtaken Liverpool in the race to sign Murillo, who is known to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, but the deal could come at a relatively high cost.
Tricky Trees could hold out on a £50m transfer fee amid interest from a number of top clubs, but they may need to raise the cash with a lower transfer fee if they are unable to avoid relegation.
As it stands, the 23-year-old’s future at the City Ground is now in serious doubt as he is far too good to play in the Championship, as Forest are just three points above the bottom three…
Possibility that “powerful” Murillo can definitely sign with Chelsea
Chelsea are clearly not satisfied with their current defensive options, given they are prepared to let go of three centre-backs, and there are plenty of signs that the Forest star could be a suitable replacement.
Chelsea are currently battling Liverpool in the race to sign the former Premier League defender in a £43m deal
The Blues could gain a one-point lead over their rivals.
Troy Deeney is particularly fond of the one-cap Brazil international and said this after his attention-grabbing performance against Liverpool in November. “He’s been great. He’s becoming a powerhouse… It’s nice to see him play like he did last season.”
The former Corinthians player averages 1.0 blocks per 90 in the Premier League, the eighth highest of any first-team overall, and his average WhoScored match rating of 6.85 is the third highest of any Forest team.
It’s no wonder, then, that a number of top clubs are lining up to sign Murillo, who has proven he is ready for a move to Chelsea, and it is encouraging news that they have overtaken Liverpool in the race.
