Yahoo News Nottingham Forest 'favourites' to win transfer race as Murillo speculation intensifies
Nottingham Forest are said to have their eye on Brazilian defender Vitao ahead of the transfer window opening on Friday.
The Shakhtar Donetsk man is currently on loan at Internacional but seemingly has a number of teams keen on securing his signature. West Ham United and Villarreal have both been linked, and now reports from Brazil suggest the Reds have joined the race.
According to Brazilian media outlet Revista Colorada, Forest are “the favourites” to snap up the 24-year-old. The report says they “signalled a higher proposal” than the Hammers, along with the offer of a “higher salary”.
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Vitao’s departure from Internacional is said to be “getting closer and closer”. And to that extent, Revista Colorada suggest the player has “started the process” of handing over his house in the expectation of a move being finalised.
Forest being linked with Vitao comes as interest in Murillo continues to grow. The Brazilian had a brilliant breakthrough season at the City Ground after his move from Corinthians last summer and has no shortage of admirers.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, PSG, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all been credited with an interest in the centre-back. Atletico Madrid have now been added to the list of teams keeping an eye on him, according to the Daily Mail.
As the Reds look to balance the books to avoid falling foul of Profitability and Sustainability Rules again, they face the prospect of potentially having to let go of the 21-year-old. If Murillo does move on, it would be with a significant profit on the £11 million Forest paid for him almost 12 months ago.
