Liverpool have made contact with Lamine Camara's camp after Chelsea emerged as the frontrunners in the race to sign Alex Scott. The Reds are monitoring the Monaco midfielder ahead of the January transfer window.
Camara's Near-Move to Chelsea Collapsed in Summer
Camara came within hours of joining Chelsea in the summer transfer window before the deal fell through. The midfielder was set to join the Blues for £47million and put pen to paper on a six-year contract. But in a dramatic turn of events, Monaco informed Chelsea that Camara wouldn't be leaving shortly before the deadline.
Now Liverpool are looking to pounce, as the Sun report that Anfield chiefs have asked to be kept in the loop over any developments regarding the 22-year-old's future. Camara has had an impressive start to his third season with Monaco and a move in January isn't to be ruled out.
Chelsea's Focus Shifts to Alex Scott
Chelsea's interest, on the other hand, has cooled amid their hot pursuit of Scott. The London club had a £64m bid rejected by Bournemouth in the summer amid competition from other Premier League clubs.
Camara was on course to arrive as a cheaper alternative until Monaco pulled the plug. The Senegal international was left disappointed but is understood to have shown a good attitude since.
Monaco Boss Praises Camara's Unique Talent
In August, following a 1-0 win against Le Havre, Monaco boss Filipe Luis hailed: "From everything that I saw, there is one thing that caught my eye. I have never seen that in 20 years; it's Lamine Camara."
"He is a 'different' player from what I've seen so far. His ability to manage things on the pitch and his concentration. He has a level that is way, way above average."
Luis also told L'Equipe: "In twenty years' time, we may well see plenty of players like him. He can run a marathon, play for 90 minutes without ever letting up while playing football. He embodies the future of the game."
Midfield Becomes a Priority for Liverpool
Midfield is set to become a priority for Liverpool after they invested heavily in attack during the summer as well as bringing in three defenders. Alexis Mac Allister's uncertain future could also play a role in Andoni Iraola's plans.
Mac Allister, 27, reportedly isn't happy that he hasn't been offered a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in 2028. A departure next summer could make sense for all parties, as Liverpool would risk losing the Argentine on a free transfer the following year.
