Liverpool eye £84m double deal as Camara move gets green light

Liverpool have received the go‑ahead to swoop for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, according to a report, while their defensive rebuild is also set to accelerate. Camara almost moved to the Premier League at the end of the summer transfer window, as Chelsea struck a €55million (then £47m) agreement with Monaco for him.

Camara's transfer saga

Camara himself agreed a six‑year contract with the Blues.

Monaco pulled out of the deal on deadline day, leaving the player and Chelsea furious.

Monaco then indicated a desire to sell Folarin Balogun to Everton.

Balogun changed his mind at the last minute, so both players stayed at the Ligue 1 club.

Liverpool have since joined Chelsea in pursuing Camara.

With Chelsea focusing on Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Liverpool appear to have a clearer path to Camara.

Monaco have given Liverpool the go‑ahead to open talks for the 22‑year‑old, ready to agree his sale in January.

Camara wants to move to the Premier League mid‑season and Monaco will not block him.

Italian outlet said on Monday that Liverpool are preparing a €50m (£42m) offer for Camara.

Monaco are reportedly tipped to demand up to £60m for the Senegalese, suggesting several negotiation rounds.

Liverpool also admire Alex Scott but recognise Chelsea as favourites for the English talent.

CaughtOffside reports Liverpool have begun to accelerate their defensive rebuild, scouting replacements for Virgil van Dijk.

Defensive rebuild and centre‑back targets

Nottingham Forest’s Murillo and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck are the two leading centre‑back targets for Liverpool.

Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni and Barcelona’s Jules Koundé are also noted but sit lower on the Reds’ shortlist.

Schlotterbeck’s new Dortmund contract includes a €50‑60m (£42‑50m) release clause that activates next summer.

Consequently, a double deal for Camara and Schlotterbeck would cost Liverpool £84m or more.

Forest want £70‑80m for Murillo, making him pricier than the German defender.

Forest insist the 24‑year‑old will not leave in January, meaning any Anfield move must wait until season’s end.

Liverpool are scouting both Schlotterbeck and Murillo, weighing which would better succeed Van Dijk.

Schlotterbeck is considered a stronger leader, while Murillo brings Premier League experience.

TEAMtalk revealed on Monday that Liverpool want to extend Van Dijk’s contract by another year.

Extending Van Dijk could delay signing either Murillo or Schlotterbeck.