Iraola makes Lamine Camara Liverpool's top target at Anfield

£80m is the price tag linked to Adam Wharton as he becomes Andoni Iraola's latest transfer target at Liverpool's Anfield, but the Spaniard has already earmarked Senegal international Lamine Camara as the priority move for January.

Iraola was appointed as Arne Slot's successor and has got off to a decent start, with the Reds' current crop of players expected to adapt their style to suit his philosophy.

Before Anfield, the Spaniard did an incredible job with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, becoming the first manager in the club's history to earn the Cherries qualification to Europe. Performances from Eli Junior Kroupi and Rayan were highlighted as key, and without Iraola's guidance the milestone seemed unlikely.

Since his Liverpool appointment, Iraola has set a goal to transform the first‑team squad after a fifth‑place finish last term. He has already brought in four new players, yet many areas still require upgrading.

Midfield overhaul remains a priority

One of the most glaring gaps is the number six role. Defensive midfield has been a problem area for years, and with Liverpool now employing a double pivot, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai struggle to win duels.

Fans expected a new number six in the summer, but the position was overlooked as upgrades were spread across the squad. Caught Offside reported that Wharton looks set to be available for a fee in the region of £80m this January, with Chelsea possibly acting, while the urgency to strengthen the middle of the park grows.

Camara emerges as the preferred option

Attention has now shifted to Lamine Camara, who is no longer a priority for Chelsea after a deadline‑day move collapsed. The Senegal international has become one of AS Monaco's most important players, regularly favoured by manager Filipe Luis.

Rumours from Ben Jacobs claim the Reds told Monaco and Camara to wait until January to finalise a deal. Whether true or not, signing Camara would be a decisive step for Iraola to shore up Liverpool's midfield.