Real Madrid very impressed by £11m Premier League defender; could launch move to sign him: Reports

Real Madrid have set their sights on Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, according to HITC. Los Blancos are expected to sign a defender in 2025 to bolster their aging backline and have identified the Brazilian as an option.

Murillo has earned rave reviews since joining Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023 from Corinthians for just £11m. The 22-year-old hit the ground running at the City Ground, and established himself as a first-team regular at the club.

Murillo registered 36 appearances across competitions last season, 32 of which were in the Premier League. He averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 5.8 clearances per 90 minutes in the league.

The Brazilian's defensive solidity and ball-carrying ability have already turned heads at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid wanted to sign Leny Yoro this summer, but were pipped to the Frenchman's services by Manchester United. Nacho Fernandez left the club in June and Los Blancos are yet to sign his replacement.

The La Liga giants would ideally like to sign a long-term partner for Eder Militao in 2025. Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are both on the wrong side of 30 and Real Madrid are already considering the future.

To make matters worse, the Austrian is recovering from an ACL injury and isn't expected to return before the end of the year. The situation has highlighted the need for reinforcements at the back and Los Blancos are looking at multiple candidates for the job.

Real Madrid have alternatives to Murillo on their radar

Murillo has admirers at Real Madrid

While Murillo has been identified as an option, a lot of clubs are already hot on his heels. Barcelona and Bayern Munich apparently have the Brazilian on their radar, while Liverpool and Chelsea are also eyeing him with interest, as per the aforementioned source. The player is under contract with Nottingham Forest until 2028 and is likely to cost a fair fee.

The situation has prompted Real Madrid to keep their options open and they have identified Jarrad Branthwaite as an alternative. The Englishman has gained prominence with Everton of late and is a first-team regular at Goodison Park now.

However, Los Blancos won't have a free run at Branthwaite either. Manchester United had their eyes on the 22-year-old this summer, but balked at the Toffees' asking price.

New owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is apparently a fan of his countryman. Despite signing Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, the Red Devils could return for Branthwaite in 2025. Moreover, the player is under contract with Everton until 2027, and the Merseyside club are expected to demand a sizeable fee for his services.