Nottingham Forest stars fear they will be ‘axed next’ by Evangelos Marinakis
Nottingham Forest are enduring a turbulent start to the Premier League season following the controversial decision to sack Nuno Espirito Santo.
Having won just one of their first seven league games, the Tricky Trees have dropped to 17th in the league table, a far cry from last season’s seventh-placed finish.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed that Forest are already seeking replacements for Ange Postecoglou, who has failed to win a game since taking over at the City Ground.
The constant changes and uncertainty surrounding the manager and poor performances and results on the pitch have led to further questions about the players’ futures.
Elliot Anderson and Murillo are among those who have caught the eye of the Premier League’s elite clubs and could now be tempted to leave should offers arrive.
Murillo tempted to quit Nottingham Forest amid uncertainty
Mick Brown told Football Insider on 7 October that Nottingham Forest players are not happy with the uncertainty surrounding the club at the moment.
As a result, Murillo has been tipped to make a move away from the City Ground with interest growing from the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Forest’s turbulent start to the season could push players away.
“Nottingham Forest have had a nightmare start to the season,” he told Football Insider.
“The issue they’ve got now is, all of their top players who were happy to stay while things were going well, will be asking questions about what’s happened.
“There’s so much uncertainty there now with the managerial changes and sudden drop in form.
“Plus, the way the owner treated Nuno left some of the players confused because they’ll be thinking they might be the next ones to be axed.
“Murillo is an excellent player, an excellent defender, and he’s played his best football at Forest.
“But most of that came under Nuno, who is now gone, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he would be interested in moving elsewhere if an offer comes along.
“Chelsea have been looking at him and now Bayern Munich are being spoken about, so when clubs like that come calling, it would be no surprise if he was tempted away.”
Brown told Football Insider on 9 October that Chelsea are interested in signing Murillo as they aim to resolve their defensive issues at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea and Bayern Munich plot moves to sign Murillo
Football Insider revealed on 29 September that Chelsea are working to sign a new centre-back, with the position becoming a priority for Enzo Maresca.
Levi Colwill‘s injury at the start of the season had raised concerns about the lack of cover, before Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana were also dealt blows.
Chelsea failed to sign Murillo in January when he opted to renew his terms at the City Ground, but there is a growing feeling he could now be tempted away.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are also believed to be keeping tabs on the Forest defender’s situation as they aim to bolster Vincent Kompany’s squad.
Harry Kane has recently expressed his desire to win the Champions League, and Murillo could join the squad alongside the likes of Michael Olise and Joshua Kimmich.
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