Manchester United are drawing up a list of centre-back targets for the summer transfer window, with one Premier League defender featuring on the list, according to reports. United are optimistic of qualifying for the Champions League under interim manager Michael Carrick and are already planning for how to take the team forward next season, whoever is in charge. United are said to be plotting at least four signings with centre-half a new area of concern for the Red Devils.

With both Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt dogged by injuries, United are looking to the future and drawing up plans. Centre-back had not previously been a priority area for the club’s recruitment staff but concerns over injuries means a list of options has been drawn up. And one of the defenders highlighted is Nottingham Forest man Murillo, according to The i.

The Brazilian already has 89 Premier League appearances to his name with Forest. Since joining from Corinthians in 2023, the 23-year-old has established himself as one of the centre-backs in the league and was Forest’s 2023-24 player of the season.

Murillo only signed a new contract at the City Ground until 2029 last January but United’s hopes of signing the South American will improve if Forest are relegated to the Championship. With nine games to go, Forest are only outside of the relegation zone on goal difference with both Vitor Pereira’s side and West Ham on 28 points.

The report claims Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid are all also monitoring Murillo who has an exciting and attractive blend of abilities, youth, personality and experience. It’s claimed United’s owners want players without big egos and have identified the one-cap Brazil international as an ideal example.

They believe Murillo could handle the step-up to a club of United’s size. He is not agitating for a move away from Forest as it stands but that stance could be tested if the club drop to the Championship.

The Red Devils’ injury problems could lead to a new contract for Harry Maguire. The veteran, 33, is due to become a free agent at the end of the season but has started all eight of Carrick’s matches in charge so far.

His influence is said to have been key in the dressing room and an extended deal with reduced wages could be on the table for the England international, who is willing to accept a lower salary to stay at Old Trafford.

But long-term the club have high hopes for Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven who have benefitted from the injuries to Martinez and De Ligt. The Argentine has made just nine Premier League starts this term with Dutchman De Ligt limited to 13. He has not played for three months due to a back injury initially expected to be just a short-term issue.