Nottingham Forest prepare Lamine Camara bid as Crystal Palace make first move

Nottingham Forest are preparing to rival Crystal Palace for the signing of Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, with the Premier League clubs emerging as the frontrunners in the race for one of Ligue 1's most highly-rated young midfielders.

Monaco are prepared to sanction the 22-year-old's departure this summer but are holding firm on a €50 million (£43m)valuation as they look to complete another significant sale.

According to Foot Mercato, Crystal Palace have already made the first concrete move by submitting an official offer to Monaco.

The details of the proposal have not been disclosed, but Forest are now expected to follow with a bid of their own as they look to strengthen their midfield before the transfer window closes.

Monaco are understood to be open to selling Camara after the departure of Maghnes Akliouche, with the French club needing another major transfer to support their summer rebuild.

While Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest have taken the early initiative, Liverpool and Manchester United are continuing to monitor developments.

Both clubs are reportedly waiting to see how negotiations unfold before deciding whether to formalise their own interest, allowing their Premier League rivals to test Monaco's resolve first.

Camara and his representatives are aware of the growing interest and are said to be prioritising the sporting project on offer rather than making a decision based solely on financial terms.

Monaco have reportedly identified a replacement, signalling they are prepared for the possibility of losing the Senegal international before the transfer window closes.

That could strengthen Nottingham Forest's hopes of completing a deal if they are willing to meet Monaco's valuation, although competition from Crystal Palace—and potentially Liverpool or Manchester United—means the race remains wide open.

Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are expected to continue discussions with Monaco in the coming days as both clubs attempt to secure an agreement. Liverpool and Manchester United remain in the background and could yet enter the race if negotiations stall, setting up a potentially competitive battle for the Senegal midfielder before the transfer window closes.