Gary Lineker has appeared to disclose one of Liverpool's targets ahead of the January transfer window – and it could end up being an inspired piece of business.
Liverpool have enjoyed a superb start to the 2024/25 campaign under new manager Arne Slot, who has earned 14 victories since taking over from Jurgen Klopp in the summer.
Some had their doubts ahead of the new season following a lack of transfer activity. Federico Chiesa arrived from Juventus in a deal worth £12.5 million, while goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will arrive in 2025.
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But the Reds have surpassed all expectations as they sit top of the Premier League, two points ahead of champions Manchester City and six points ahead of third place Nottingham Forest.
On the subject of Forest, Nuno Espirito Santo's side continue to defy the odds with 10 games played, although they may have to brace themselves in the January transfer window.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Gary Lineker claimed that Liverpool are interested in signing Murillo, who has been one of the club's standout performers since joining from Corinthians last year.
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The conversation came around after Alan Shearer expressed his concerns over Liverpool's options in defence. "The one tiny worry would be if one of the centre-halves were to get injured," said the former Newcastle United striker.
Lineker then responded by dropping some insider information. "I understand they're after Murillo from [Nottingham] Forest," he said.
Like many others, Shearer was full of praise for the Brazilian defender and his centre-back partner. "Those two at Forest [Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic] have done really well this season," he added. "That's one of the reasons they're flying high in the Premier League."
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Murillo, meanwhile, has lofty ambitions as he continues to establish himself in England's top flight.
“This is my second year as a professional, so I still have a lot to learn,” he told Premier League Brasil. “I think I'm on the right path, I just have to keep working hard so that, who knows, one day I can be among the top five defenders in the Premier League.”
The centre-back also wants to be part of the Brazil set-up. “I don't know the main reason why I'm not going to the national team, but I think it's because of the great competition for positions,” he added, after missing out on the latest squad.
“They are great players. I'm still calm and I hope to continue having an exceptional season this year and, when I have the opportunity, I'll make the most of it so I never leave."
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Murillo continued: “Today we see very qualified players defending the Brazilian national team. Especially in the defensive part, with Magalhaes, Beraldo, Militao, Marquinhos, Bremer, Fabricio Bruno.
“It is a very big competition, but I believe I am on the right track. I am playing well and, when you play well for your team, the national team starts to become more apparent.
“Perhaps the players here in Europe are a little more qualified or experienced because they play here (in Europe), which for me is real football, very fast and intense. I think that when a player manages to adapt here, he can perform better for the national team. I don't think it's just the fact of being in the Premier League, it's also about the dedication and commitment.”
Topics: Liverpool, Premier League, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Gary Lineker
Jack Kenmare