Newcastle’s Pursuit of Lamine Camara Takes Significant Step as Race Heats Up

Newcastle United’s midfield rebuild remains unfinished with less than three weeks remaining in the transfer window, and the Magpies appear to be intensifying their pursuit of a player they have tracked throughout the summer.

Dutchie Bowen reports that Newcastle is stepping up its interest in Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, with talks surrounding a possible transfer now “gathering momentum.”

According to Bowen, Newcastle has held a meeting with representatives of the Senegal international in recent days, suggesting the club is taking a potential move more seriously after previously exploring his availability.

“The Magpies have already held a meeting with representatives of the Senegal international in recent days as they assess another option for their midfield rebuild. Newcastle’s interest in Camara is not new, but the latest contact suggests the club are now taking the possibility of a deal more seriously,” Bowen reported. “Camara has become one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Ligue 1, and Newcastle face considerable competition.”

Newcastle’s interest dates back several months, with TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey reporting in July that the Magpies used negotiations with Monaco for Aladji Bamba to enquire about Camara and retained a “strong interest” in the 22-year-old.

Competition for Camara, however, could make another deal with Monaco expensive, to say the least. Bowen reports that Crystal Palace has already submitted an offer worth approximately €50 million (£43.3 million), while Monaco is seeking closer to €60 million (£51.9 million). Nottingham Forest is reportedly preparing an offer of its own, while Liverpool and Manchester United are also monitoring Camara.

“The financial side will be crucial,” Bowen reported. “Monaco have little reason to lower their demands while multiple Premier League clubs circle, particularly after Palace’s substantial opening offer.”

The club has already added teenagers Bamba and Sean Steur in midfield, but attempts to land a more experienced midfielder have proven difficult after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg rejected a move to St. James’ Park on Monday.

Would you pay Monaco’s reported €60 million asking price for Camara, or should Newcastle prioritize acquiring a more experienced midfielder first? Let us know in the comments section below.