Nottingham Forest star Murillo speaks out on his future amid Chelsea and Tottenham interest

Chelsea and Tottenham target Murillo says that while he ‘dreams of playing in the Champions League’ he intends to stay at Nottingham Forest this season.

Murillo had a great impact during his first season at the City Ground, helping his club avoid relegation from the Premier League with some eye-catching performances at centre-back.

Forest value the 22-year-old, who was signed from Corinthians for £10million, at around £60m, with Chelsea, Spurs and Atletico Madrid among the clubs interested in his services.

In June, it was reported that the Blues were willing to offer two players to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in order to sign the Brazilian, with the player himself confirming the bid.

And Murillo later added fuel to the fire by expressing interest in leaving Forest with an eye on joining Manchester City, Arsenal or Liverpool.

However, in a new interview with the Telegraph, the defender has said that though he has ambitions of playing in the biggest competitions, he believes it is best to stay at the City Ground for at least one more campaign.

‘I need regular game-time and really feel that with Forest I’m in the best place for my career,’ he said.

‘Staying here for another season will enable me to mature as a player and eventually become better prepared if the chance ever comes to play at another level one day.

‘Of course I want to eventually play in the Champions League. When I was growing up I’d play video games and play with all those teams. Whenever I hear that classic music before the games it moves me, and it would be a dream to play in that competition.

‘But I’ve been focusing on my work here 100 per cent and I just want to do my best. Forest is a massive club in its own right and I feel good here.’

Neither Chelsea or Tottenham are playing in the Champions League this season but the pair will no doubt be keeping tabs on Murillo.

Though they were docked points for breaching financial rules last season, Forest are under no pressure to sell Murillo, who has a contract until 2028.

Chelsea’s interest in the centre-back may have lessened of late after they secured the free transfer of Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham, with Enzo Maresca now focused on buying a new goalkeeper, having made a bid for Villarreal’s Filip Jorgensen.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.