Chelsea are weighing up a move for Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo as they look to bolster their backline this summer, reports TEAMtalk.

The Blues have been in the market for a new defender since Levi Colwill suffered an ACL injury on the eve of the season.

Chelsea failed in Jacquet pursuit

However, Chelsea didn’t bring in a new centre-back before the summer deadline, nor did they invest in the area in the January window despite reportedly agreeing personal terms with Jeremy Jacquet.

Rennes ultimately rebuffed the Blues’ efforts to sign the Frenchman, who’ll move to Liverpool later this year.

In the end, Chelsea recalled Mamadou Sarr from his loan spell at Strasbourg to swell their defensive ranks.

Premier League giants keen on Murillo

Chelsea will now target a Premier League experienced centre-back in the off-season with Forest star Murillo of interest to the west London side.

The Brazilian is one of the most sought after defenders in England’s top tier, with Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal also believed to be monitoring the 23-year-old.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have also been credited with an interest in Murillo, despite their recent signing of Jacquet.

With uncertainty surrounding the futures of Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate, the Reds are weighing up centre-back targets in their bid to bolster their backline.

Forest keen to retain centre-back's services

Forest will be reluctant to cash in on Murillo, who signed a four-and-a-half year contract with the Tricky Trees last January.

As such, Forest will command a fee of at least £50m to entertain offers for their star centre-back.

Murillo isn’t the only Forest player who is expected to leave the City Ground at the end of the season.

Forest star also linked with summer exit

Midfielder Elliot Anderson is wanted by both Manchester City and United with the club expected to demand at least £100m to cash in on the England international.

The Manchester pair were hoping to lure Anderson away from the Midlands last month but Forest rebuffed any offers for the former Newcastle man.

Forest sit just three points above the relegation zone following last week’s 0-0 draw with Wolves, a result that cost Sean Dyche his job as head coach.

And Forest acted swiftly to hire Dyche’s replacement, confirming the appointment of Vitor Pereira on Sunday.