'Average centre-back': Steve Nicol suggests Liverpool should steer well clear of making £70m transfer mistake

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Liverpool and Nottingham Forest were involved in a well-contested Premier League game at the City Ground that ended 1-1 last night.

The Reds dropped two points in the title race but a draw was probably a fair result based on the balance of play as the home side showed their class with a spirited showing.

Chris Wood broke the deadlock with a well-taken finish early in the game, but Diogo Jota came off the bench to score what turned out to be a priceless equaliser.

Nottingham Forest defender Murillo was in the thick of the action and has been linked with a big-money move this summer owing to his performances.

But Steve Nicol feels Liverpool should steer clear of him as he gave some transfer advice to his former club.

Steve Nicol warns Liverpool against signing Murillo

The Brazilian defender was at the top of his game against Liverpool and thwarted everything that came his way as he continues to establish himself as a cult hero at the City Ground.

Alongside Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo has forged a fantastic partnership at the heart of the backline and is an indispensable asset for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Murillo has been linked with a move to Liverpool as the Reds continue to scour the transfer market for potential reinforcements at the back.

However, Nicol feels the Brazilian isn’t good enough to play for a top club like Liverpool, adding that he only looks better this season after Milenkovic’s addition to the team.

"No, because of the way they play,” said Nicol on Murillo on ESPN FC’s YouTube channel.

“At the big clubs, you expect to be going forward and I think Milenkovic being beside him has made a huge difference to his game.

“We weren't talking about Murillo last season – he wasn't doing anything other than being an average centre back.

“Because everybody has been doing the job in front of him, there's not been as many spaces. I don't think it's as clear cut that Murillo is going to any of the big teams."

How much could Murillo cost?

Murillo only joined Forest last season from Corinthians and his value has soared since his move to the City Ground.

He has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League this season and Forest are in talks to tie him down to a new contract.

Murillo is expected to cost around £70m, so if Liverpool or any of the other teams in the Premier League want him, they have to break the bank to secure his signature.