Nottingham Forest defender Murillo has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for a number of clubs across Europe.

The 21-year-old only made the switch to the City Ground at the end of August, choosing to leave Corinthians in a deal said to worth €15m.

Since then, Murillo has shown the qualities required to make a long-lasting impression in the Premier League, effectively becoming the club's first-choice centre-back with 23 starts made since his debut at the beginning of October.

Although Forest have generally under-performed this campaign, Murillo has been one of the shining lights in the team under either Steve Cooper or Nuno Espirito Santo.

Murillo penned a five-year contract when joining Forest, yet his performances have ensured that he will generate interest in the summer, whether the East Midlands outfit remain in the top flight or are relegated to the Championship.

The situation is complicated by the financial pressure that Forest are under, with a four-point deduction being handed out earlier this week for breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Furthermore, it has been speculated that another big-money sale will have to be made by June 30 to ensure that Forest comply with the rules or face another punishment.

According to the Daily Mail, there is such widespread interest in Murillo that it is a realistic possibility that he could attract the level of financial proposal required.

As many as six top European clubs are said to be monitoring the situation, including Chelsea who may be in the market for a younger replacement for Thiago Silva ahead of the veteran's likely departure on a free transfer.

Chelsea, themselves, also face pressure to comply with the regulations, though, and it is plausible that they may have to wait until after the aforementioned June 30 date when accounts are due to be filed.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are the other clubs that are mentioned as admirers of Murillo.

There is Brazilian representation in some capacity at each club, whether that be on or off the pitch, but like Chelsea, PSG have been the most active in the Brazilian market of late, signing Lucas Beraldo and Gabriel Moscardo.

Murillo is a former teammate of the latter at Corinthians, Moscardo having made his senior debut just two months after Murillo made his senior bow in April. body check tags ::