Manchester United join race for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo as Arsenal face Sandro Tonali issue - Paper Round
By TNT UK
Updated 12/03/2026 at 10:31 GMT
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Manchester United are one of several high-profile clubs who have been linked with a move for Nottingham Forest central defender Murillo, while Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly now interested in leaving Old Trafford in the summer transfer window. Elsewhere, a new preferred bidder for Championship side Sheffield Wednesday has been confirmed and Arsenal may struggle to afford Newcastle's Sandro Tonali.
'Beautiful goal' - Murillo's long range strike for Forest silences Fenerbahce crowd
Video credit: TNT Sports
Man Utd track Murillo
Manchester United are interested in signing Nottingham Forest’s 23-year-old central defender Murillo.
They face competition, though, with The i Paper suggesting Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid could also make a move for the player.
The paper reports: "Manchester United are starting to draw up a shortlist of centre-backs to provide more reliable cover in the heart of defence with Lisandro Martinez facing another extended layoff.
"Martinez is set to miss his fourth consecutive match on Sunday against Aston Villa with a calf injury he picked up last month.
"Coupled with the mystery around Matthijs de Ligt’s back injury – the Dutchman has been out for three months with no return date in sight – plans are afoot to address the situation.
"Murillo is not understood to be agitating for a move as yet, having only signed a new deal until 2029 last January, but Forest’s hand could be forced if they are relegated. Should United or another interested party – Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid are understood to be monitoring the Brazilian – make their move, it is thought his mind can be changed."
Zirkzee ready to quit United
After recent interest from Italian sides Juventus and Roma, Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is ready to leave Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old is struggling for minutes on the pitch, and is now ready to leave the club to get more regular game time.
The Sun writes: "Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is eyeing a summer exit.
"Zirkzee, 24, has only started four times this season and is unlikely to make a return to the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.
"Zirkzee, who also wanted to see out the season at United, has generated plenty of interest from Italian clubs dating back to last season, having joined United from Bologna in July 2024.
"Juventus and Roma enquired about Zirkzee’s availability earlier in the season and a return to Italy is possible for the Dutchman."
Storch leads race for Wednesday
A consortium headed up by US businessman David Storch has been declared the preferred bidder for Sheffield Wednesday.
A recent effort from another group to buy the club fell apart recently, while Mike Ashley is one of several other interested parties.
The Athletic explains: "A group led by American businessman David Storch has been named as the preferred bidder for Sheffield Wednesday, who will start the 2026-27 season in League One with a 15-point deduction.
"Coming two weeks after a rival bid to buy the crisis-hit Championship club collapsed, the winning bid is not high enough to ensure that all of the club’s unsecured creditors receive at least 25 per cent of what they are owed, hence the points deduction.
"The Storch group’s bid of just under £20 million beat rival offers for the south Yorkshire-based club from English retail tycoon and ex-Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, a group led by former Charlton Athletic and Sunderland executive Charlie Methven and two undisclosed US syndicates."
Arsenal may be priced out of Tonali chase
Arsenal’s financial restrictions this summer may mean that they cannot pursue a move for Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.
The Daily Star reports that while Mikel Arteta will have some money to spend, players such as Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly could be allowed to leave to raise funds.
The paper states: "Arsenal are understood to need to proceed cautiously over the summer due to PSR worries.Â
"Recent reports suggested eight senior stars were amongst those being considered to leave, including academy products Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
"Mikel Arteta isn't stopped from making additions to his squad in the summer. However, a pursuit of Tonali doesn't appear to be high on the club's priorities."
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