Murillo reckons that he's very happy to have committed his long-term future to Nottingham Forest with Liverpool dealt a January transfer blow. The Brazilian had been linked with a move to Anfield, in recent months, following his outstanding performances for Forest.

The 22-year-old has been in top form, helping Forest climb to third in the Premier League standings. Not only that, he also played a major role in holding Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at the City Ground last week.

Having also been eyed up by clubs abroad, Forest had been keen to tie up the defender to a new deal. On Tuesday evening, the Midlands side announced Murillo's contract extension, which will see him at the club until the summer of 2029 - if all goes to plan - putting an end to transfer speculation for now.

READ MORE: Arne Slot reveals what he's really thinking about Liverpool contract nightmare in rare update

READ MORE: When is Champions League knockout draw as Liverpool to learn next fixture dates

It has also been suggested that Forest have increased Murillo's salary with that agreement. "I'm very thankful and very happy that there are four more years to come," he said after signing the extension.

"I'm thankful to everyone for the support and not just to me, but to my family, as well. Everywhere I go, every shop, wherever it is, they treat my family and me really well. So I'm very grateful for everything they do for myself and for the team. I'm sure that we've got a big future in front of us."

A year after signing for Forest in August 2023, the 22-year-old was being linked with a move to Anfield. Asked about the rumours at that time, the defender himself acknowledged he could move to a big club in the future.

"I had the dream of playing in the Premier League and I had that thought," said Murillo featuring on the Benja Me Mucho podcast last year. "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 would 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."

Murillo, who earned a call-up to the Brazil squad earlier this season, has formed a strong partnership with Nikola Milenkovic at Forest. And that defence has kept nine clean sheets this term.