Why Murillo is heading for the Champions League rather than the Championship

The best young defender in Europe might be relegated at the end of the season but Murillo is heading for the Champions League not the Championship.

Nottingham Forest's Brazilian centre-back has been a shining light in a hugely difficult season for the club, which is poised on a knife edge.

One point clear of Luton and with fixtures against fellow strugglers Everton, Burnley and Sheffield United to come, at least Forest's future is in their hands. They are also appealing against the four-point deduction for breaking spending rules which has plunged them into trouble.

Yet with Murillo in the line-up, Forest will feel a whole lot better. When he gets the better of a rival attacker for the umpteenth time, supporters cry 'You'll never beat Murillo!' – just as they did for Des Walker, one of the finest Forest centre-backs of modern times.

Forest need to sell this summer to ensure they escape further punishment next season, as the profitability and sustainability (PSR) vultures circle. Murillo is worth at least £50million in today's market and has Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle watching him closely, as well as Paris St Germain, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Murillo is built like a rugby league player but is as light on his feet as a ballet dancer. He can overcome an attacker with speed, strength or skill. His clearance to deny Joao Gomes in the first half – a diving header close to his own line to prevent a certain goal – was one of the moments of Forest's season.

It all makes the £15million Forest paid Corinthians last August, after Murillo had made only 13 professional starts, one of the club's best deals in an era of chaotic transfer spending. Murillo has clocked up more than 5,500 minutes in senior matches in the last