Manchester United table formal bid for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara

Manchester United have tabled a formal bid for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara as the club push ahead with their midfield rebuild.

The Red Devils acted after Monaco set a €50 million price tag on Camara’s head, a figure that has drawn interest from multiple clubs. Crystal Palace have already submitted a formal offer, but United remain in the hunt for the Senegal international’s signature.

Camara, 23, has been a long-standing target at Old Trafford, with Manchester United monitoring his situation closely this summer. Monaco’s willingness to sell has raised the prospect of a deal, despite Crystal Palace’s earlier approach.

The Ligue 1 side completed the sale of Maghnes Akliouche to Paris Saint-Germain for the same €50 million fee, a move that underlined their financial strategy. United’s pursuit reflects their need to strengthen a midfield reshaped by departures and injuries.

Casemiro left at the end of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious knee injury at the World Cup. Kobbie Mainoo remains unavailable after World Cup participation, leaving a midfield gap United are keen to fill before the new season.

Manchester United have already spent £85 million on midfielders Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer, alongside goalkeeper Karl Darlow and winger Tynan Thompson. The club’s activity highlights their determination to rebuild under Michael Carrick.

Camara’s profile has grown after a strong season with Monaco, where teammate Lukas Hradeck described him as ‘one of the best players’ since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

“He doesn’t get the recognition he deserves,” Hradeck said. “Since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations, I think he’s one of our best players.”

United’s pre-season campaign has so far ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that has done little to ease concerns over the team’s readiness ahead of the new campaign.

The club’s formal bid for Camara signals their intent to address midfield uncertainty, but Monaco’s valuation and Crystal Palace’s competing offer add layers of complexity to the potential deal.