Chelsea offer expected for Lamine Camara as Liverpool get ready for January fight

Liverpool and Chelsea both eyeing AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara for January after Chelsea's failed summer bid; Camara has two goals and an assist in 13 Ligue 1 matches this season.

Liverpool and Chelsea are competing to sign AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara in the January transfer window. Camara came close to joining Chelsea on deadline day in the summer, but Monaco blocked the move to prioritise Folarin Balogun's transfer to Everton, which ultimately fell through.

The 22-year-old Senegal international has impressed this season with two goals and an assist from 13 appearances. In September, he said he was putting the Chelsea disappointment behind him and remained open to future opportunities. Liverpool have initiated contact for a January deal, while Chelsea are expected to return with another offer after missing out in the summer.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has limited central midfield options beyond summer signings Valentín Barco and Jordan Henderson, plus 16-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli. Liverpool, who didn't sign a midfielder in summer and face uncertainty around Alexis Mac Allister's future, are also keen. Manchester United have been mentioned as a possible third suitor, though there is no concrete information about their January intentions.