Major boost for Nottingham Forest as £70m star appears to suggest he’s staying

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Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 defeat against Chelsea on the final day of the season confirmed their place in the UEFA Conference League.

In the immediate aftermath, there was a sense of disappointment, considering Nottingham Forest occupied the Champions League spots for so long.

But, on reflection, it’s been an outstanding season for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, who would’ve jumped at the chance to finish seventh at the start of the season.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
4	ChelseaChelsea	38	20	9	9	64	43	21	69
5	NewcastleNewcastle	38	20	6	12	68	47	21	66
6	Aston VillaAston Villa	38	19	9	10	58	51	7	66
7	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	38	19	8	11	58	46	12	65
8	BrightonBrighton	38	16	13	9	66	59	7	61
9	B’mouthBournemouth	38	15	11	12	58	46	12	56
10	BrentfordBrentford	38	16	8	14	66	57	9	56

Attention now turns towards the summer transfer window and Forest are expected to be busy, with Liam Delap already being linked to the City Ground.

They will also face a fight to keep some of their star players, but already there’s some positive news on that front, as one appears to suggest he’s staying.

• READ MORE: Nuno Espirito Santo responds with 26-word answer when asked if he will stay at Nottingham Forest

Murillo appears to suggest he’s staying at Nottingham Forest

Murillo has enjoyed a sensational season and his performances have alerted a number of top clubs in the Premier League and abroad.

Chelsea have already registered their interest in Murillo ahead of the summer transfer window, as Enzo Maresca looks to bolster his defensive ranks.

Forest chiefs value the Brazilian at around £70m, though, there has also been talk that it’d take a world record fee for a defender to sanction his sale.

Either way, Murillo has appeared to suggest he’s staying at Forest in an Instagram post.

“I am immensely grateful to God for this wonderful season,” the 22-year-old wrote.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in this beautiful season. I would like to thank everyone from the chef to our president, all the athletes and staff for giving 100% every day to make this possible.”

Crucially, he ended the statement by saying, ‘see you next season’.

“I would also like to thank all the fans for their support and for always being there in our victories, praising us and supporting us in our defeats. See you next season!!! COME ON YOU REDS.”

Attention turns towards Morgan Gibbs-White

It seems that Murillo has committed his future to the club, so all eyes now turn towards Morgan Gibbs-White.

Although, there seems to be an acceptance around the club that it’ll be a lot harder to retain his signature.

It’s being reported that Manchester City are set to agree a £70m deal to sign Gibbs-White, however, there’s been no official word on that.

Qualifying for the Conference League, rather than the Champions or Europa League, leaves Forest in a much weaker position to fend off suitors.

The England international is close friends with Phil Foden, too, so there is that draw for him to make the move to the Etihad.

If Gibbs-White does leave, Forest could replace him with James McAtee, who the Citizens value at £35m.