Liverpool contact Monaco over Lamine Camara as Chelsea's £47m deadline-day deal collapses

Liverpool have contacted Monaco to express their interest in midfielder Lamine Camara after Chelsea’s late deadline-day pursuit of the player fell apart, with the Ligue 1 club now holding out for £60m.

Chelsea had been chasing a replacement midfielder after it became clear that Enzo Fernandez was heading to Manchester City. The Blues had two bids rejected before finally reaching a breakthrough and closing in on a £47.1m deal for Camara — only for the move to collapse at the eleventh hour. Liverpool’s call to Monaco, first reported by talkSPORT, was made to flag their interest in a future transfer, potentially next summer, and had no bearing on Chelsea’s deal falling through.

Monaco are confident they can command a premium for the 21-year-old and are reportedly unwilling to sell for less than £60m. Liverpool’s midfield has been identified as an area of potential vulnerability this season, which could prompt the club to act in the next transfer window.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso was left short in midfield following the Camara collapse. Roma’s Manu Koné was another target the Blues pursued without success, with Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini determined to retain the France international despite Chelsea coming close to an agreement.

Romeo Lavia, who has battled persistent injury problems, has started both of Chelsea’s Premier League matches so far this season, partnering Reece James and Cole Palmer as the squad adapts to Alonso’s system.

Monaco’s transfer window was not without its own complications elsewhere. Folarin Balogun, who had been close to joining Everton, pulled out of the move himself after concerns arose during his medical.

The French club have nonetheless demonstrated a willingness to sell key assets when the price is right. Since Kylian Mbappé’s departure — still the club’s most significant sale of the past decade — Monaco have allowed Aurélien Tchouaméni to join Real Madrid and, this summer, saw Maghnes Akliouche move to PSG.