Exclusive: Newcastle Add Nottingham Forest Defender Murillo to Transfer Shortlist

Newcastle United are considering a swoop for Murillo if Nottingham Forest fail to retain their Premier League status, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Despite being only 23 years-of-age, the Brazilian defender has already amassed a wealth of experience at domestic level and  been capped once by his country.

That, combined with The Magpies’ ongoing concerns about Sven Botman’s durability, has led recruitment analysts at St James’ Park to add the centre-half’s name to a list of potential targets during next summer’s transfer window.

Not set to turn 24 until July, capturing Murillo would represent a sensible investment for Eddie Howe’s employers even though Evangelos Marinakis, Forest’s owner, is certain to demand a sizeable return on the £15m he paid to acquire the former Corinthians defender’s services in 2023.

And Newcastle also acknowledge that any bid is likely to be dependent upon the Midlanders being relegated which, following a morale-boosting victory over fellow strugglers West Ham, is now less of a possibility having moved them seven points clear of Nuno Espirito Santo’s men.

Newcastle were also linked with a move for Murillo’s centre-back partner Nikola Milenkovic in early December, with the Magpies considering an audacious swoop for the Serbian international amid concerns over Sven Botman’s injury record.

FORMIDABLE PARTNERSHIP

Although he remains loyal to Forest, having forged a formidable partnership with Milenkovic at the heart of their rearguard, Murillo’s international ambitions mean he would almost certainly depart if Sean Dyche fails to guide them to safety.

He made his debut for the five-time World Champions 10 months ago and remains hopeful of forcing his way into their squad for this year’s tournament in North America and Mexico.

Murillo has made over 80 league appearances for Forest, after completing his switch from the Sao Paulo based outfit which he has supported since childhood.

Murillo was named as Forest’s player of the season following his first campaign in England with his physical presence and technical ability making him ideally suited to English football.

Botman has not featured for Newcastle since November after sustaining the latest in a series of injuries. 

That could leave him vulnerable as Howe, and his Saudi Arabia backers, look to overhaul The Magpies options in order to help them realise their title challenging ambitions.