Gary Lineker claims Liverpool wants to sign $19m Premier League ace amid Alan Shearer 'worry'

Gary Lineker has for . Despite not providing new manager with a host of summer signings, the Reds' strategy seems to have paid off. They currently sit atop the Premier League table after 10 matches, two points ahead of Manchester City and seven in front of Arsenal.

There were some concerns about the depth of their center-back options in the summer, but that appears to have diminished so far. The quality drop from starting pair and to and has not been noticeable, but there might still be a long-term need to bring in another defensive option.

Premier League icon Alan Shearer expressed his concern about Liverpool's defensive line on podcast, saying: "The one tiny worry would be if one of the center-halves were to get injured." And chimed in with: "I understand they're after Murillo from [Nottingham] Forest."

The Brazilian has been impressive since joining the Premier League last year as a relatively unknown player. Forest spent $19m (£15m/€18m) to bring him in from Corinthians and he quickly became a regular starter, significantly increasing his market value.

"Those two at Forest [Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic] have done really well this season," added Shearer. "That's one of the reasons they're flying high in the Premier League."

Murillo has been an ever-present force for Nottingham Forest this season, not missing a single minute in the . Despite predictions of a challenging season under Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest find themselves sitting third in the table, with just one loss in their first 10 matches.

They've only conceded seven league goals, second only to Liverpool's defensive record. At the heart of Forest's impressive form is Murillo, whose performances at just 22 suggest he has a bright future ahead as a central defender.

Liverpool, along with numerous top European clubs, have previously been credited with holding an interest in Murillo, who hinted this summer that his move to the City Ground could be a stepping stone to greater heights.

"I had the dream of playing in the Premier League and I had that thought," he said. "I said: 'I'll go to Nottingham Forest, have a good year and then I'll go to a big club'. I had that in my head."

In another conversation, he remarked: "If I stay at Nottingham, I'll do my best. If I leave, I hope they respect my decision. I'm calm and analyzing it in the best way."

Liverpool.com says: Murillo has been impressive this season, for sure. He won't be at Nottingham Forest forever but signing a left-sided center-back is tricky for Liverpool while Van Dijk is at the club. If the Dutchman signs a new contract, he is the automatic number one pick for that position.