Liverpool and Chelsea linked with Lamine Camara as Monaco raise stakes after £47m transfer collapse

Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly considering renewed moves for AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara ahead of the January transfer window, although neither club has confirmed a formal offer.

The 22-year-old Senegal international came close to joining Chelsea in September before Monaco withdrew from an agreement worth approximately £47million.

According to Footy-Africa, Liverpool are now ready to compete with Xabi Alonso's side, but Monaco's reported valuation could prove a major obstacle.

Chelsea's previous pursuit of Camara progressed significantly further than initial negotiations.

The Blues wanted the midfielder following Enzo Fernandez's £125million departure to Manchester City, but Monaco initially refused to sell.

The situation changed when Folarin Balogun's proposed £40million move to Everton encountered problems.

Monaco subsequently reopened discussions with Chelsea, who agreed a reported £47million fee.

According to BBC Sport, Camara completed a medical, spoke with Alonso and signed a contract running until 2033.

However, Monaco reversed their decision when Everton indicated they were prepared to complete Balogun's transfer.

The American striker ultimately remained at Monaco, leaving Chelsea without their intended midfield addition.

Although Chelsea have since been linked with another approach, reports suggest Monaco's asking price has increased to around £60million.

That could complicate any renewed negotiations.

Liverpool are also reportedly considering Camara as a January reinforcement.

Italian transfer reports have suggested the Reds could prepare an offer worth approximately €50million, although no formal proposal has been confirmed.

The Senegal international remains an option for Andoni Iraola, whose side did not recruit a central midfielder during the summer.

Uncertainty surrounding Alexis Mac Allister's long-term future has added to speculation about Liverpool's plans.

However, Monaco are now reportedly seeking closer to €70million, substantially above the figure associated with Liverpool's potential opening approach.

Liverpool journalist David Lynch has also questioned whether a January deal is realistic without an outgoing midfielder.

That leaves a considerable gap between reported interest and a completed transfer.

Manchester United have additionally been mentioned among Camara's admirers, although there is no confirmed indication that Michael Carrick's side are preparing a January offer.

Chelsea, meanwhile, continue to assess their midfield options following Fernandez's departure.

The squad includes Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Jordan Henderson and Valentín Barco, with young players also competing for opportunities.

Camara's previous willingness to join Chelsea could become relevant if the club decide to reopen negotiations.

Chelsea must decide whether Camara remains a priority at Monaco's increased valuation, while Liverpool face a similar financial decision over a possible January approach.

The midfielder remains under contract with Monaco, and there is no confirmed agreement for him to leave during the winter window.