The chances of Wolves luring Murillo to the Premier League this month are ‘very small’ with Corinthians demanding £17 million for the highly-rated centre-half.
That is according to Jorge Nicola, one of the most reliable sources around when it comes to the Brazilian market.
After reports emerged from Goal Brasil suggesting that Wolves are willing to invest £10 million in 21-year-old Murillo, Nicola got in touch with a source ‘close to the defender’.
And, despite interest from not only Gary O’Neil’s side but also Napoli, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, the smart money is on Murillo remaining a Corinthians player beyond midnight on September 1st.
Wolves likely to miss out on Murillo
“Many people are speculating that Murillo will leave the Timao. I spoke to someone close to the defender and I can tell you that the chance of him leaving in the current transfer window is very small,” Nicola explains via his YouTube channel.
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“Corinthians will not sell him for less than 20 million euros.”
Or, if you like, £17 million.
That would be a colossal investment on a player who only made his senior debut in April. 21-year-old Murillo has played just 27 games in Brazil’s top flight.
Wolves, meanwhile, appear unlikely to make any big-money signings over the next few weeks. Julen Lopetegui’s sudden yet not-exactly-unexpected departure came about after a now-cash strapped Wolves side were priced out of the market for a number of the Spaniard’s top targets.
Man City and Napoli join the race
Nicola, meanwhile, believes that more well-heeled clubs are also in for Murillo.
“There are several clubs keen on him. Napoli made an offer a few days ago. Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are the newest interested parties,” the reporter adds.
“He is super happy to be playing as a starter at the Timao.”
Wolves currently have just three natural centre-halves at their disposal; Craig Dawson, Toti Gomes and new captain Max Kilman.
The Molineux outfit, who travel to Manchester United on Monday, could still bring in Nico Elvedi from Borussia Monchengladbach, though talks appear to have hit an impasse for the Switzerland international.