Nottingham Forest star's admission on Liverpool transfer after starring against Reds

Nottingham Forest defender Murillo has previously talked up the possibility of joining Liverpool - and showed what he was capable of against Arne Slot's side.

Murillo has had a terrific season and is playing a crucial role in helping Forest surge towards the top of the table, with Nuno Espirito Santo's men currently second after some incredible results in the Premier League.

The Brazilian's impressive displays at the back for Forest have turned heads, with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal previously linked with a move for the 22-year-old in the past.

He played the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool and was one of Forest's best players on the night - making 17 clearances in total - though he wasn't able to stop Diogo Jota's second-half equaliser.

Last summer he revealed he was hopeful of joining a "big club" after a short spell with Forest and name-checked Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool as clubs he would like to join.

He told the Benja Me Mucho podcast: "I had the dream of playing in the Premier League and I had that thought. I thought, ‘I’ll go to Nottingham Forest, have a good year and then I’ll go to a big club’.

"I had that in my head. I’d choose Manchester City but it would be more difficult for me to be a regular starter given the players they have in their squad. There’s City, Arsenal as well who are fighting for the Premier League title I wouldn’t discard Liverpool either. It would be a good opportunity for me to show my football in a big club."

Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images) Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Liverpool boss Arne Slot might require more defensive additions should captain Virgil van Dijk depart this summer. The Dutchman's current deal expires at the end of the season.

Murillo has started all but one of Forest's Premier League games this season, featuring for 1778 minutes, and he helped frustrated Mohamed Salah, Luiz Diaz and Co and limit them to just one goal after Chris Wood's opener.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher wasn't happy with the club's defending against Forest and urged them to sign a new defender this month to help them to the Premier League title.

He said: "Liverpool should’ve won tonight, but they continue to create big chances even in the games they don’t win but the defensive solidity they had at the start of the season has gone. Always look likely to concede. Buy a defender!!!!"

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