EXCLUSIVENottingham Forest lock down star defender Murillo on new four-year contract - amid interest from top clubs including league leaders Liverpool

  • Murillo has signed a new deal to keep him at Nottingham Forest for four years 
  • Forest held off Southampton to win 3-2 at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon
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Murillo, the Nottingham Forest defender who has been key to the club's stellar season, has signed a new contract to keep him at the City Ground for four years.

Mail Sport understands that the 22-year-old Brazilian had been attracting interest from a series of major sides, with Liverpool known to be admirers.

However, Forest officials have acted swiftly to tie Murillo down, with the reborn Reds currently sitting third in the Premier League and on course for a memorable campaign that could well see an unlikely title bid and qualification for the Champions League.

Forest paid £10m to take the relatively unknown youngster from Corinthians 18 months ago. 

He signed a five-year deal at the time and his new agreement is thought to include a hefty pay rise.

In November, Murillo's fine form was rewarded with a call-up by his native Brazil and he won rave reviews for his performance in Forest's recent draw with Liverpool.

Murillo has signed a new contract extension to keep him at Nottingham Forest for four years

Murillo has signed a new contract extension to keep him at Nottingham Forest for four years

The deal comes as a boost for Nuno Espirito Santo during a superb season at the City Ground

The deal comes as a boost for Nuno Espirito Santo during a superb season at the City Ground

The Brazilian (left) had been attracting interest from a series of major sides, with Liverpool known to be admirers. Pictured: Murillo tackles Reds midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai (centre)

The Brazilian (left) had been attracting interest from a series of major sides, with Liverpool known to be admirers. Pictured: Murillo tackles Reds midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai (centre)

He has become a firm fans’ favourite at the club, thanks to a series of thunderous tackles, goalline clearances and an appetite for a ferocious long-distance shot. 

Last season, he came close to scoring from what would have been a record 73 yards out during Forest’s clash at Tottenham with an audacious effort.