Liverpool "retain a strong interest" in AS Monaco's highly-rated midfielder Lamine Camara, according to The Athletic.
The 22-year-old remains a Monaco player for the time being after a deadline-day transfer to Chelsea failed to materialise.
Camara had completed a medical ahead of a £47.1m transfer to Stamford Bridge, only for it to collapse when Folarin Balogun's move to Everton appeared to be back on track before it later fell through.
After making quite a name for himself in Ligue 1 with Metz and Monaco, the Senegal international does appear that he will depart Stade Louis II at some point in the near future with a move to the Premier League a real possibility.
Amid Liverpool's interest in Camara, The Athletic report that the midfielder would have been their top target had they looked to sign a new midfielder for Andoni Iraola in the summer transfer market.
If the Reds do indeed make their move for Camara and sign him at the turn of the year, he may well turn out to be Julian Ward's first signing for the club as new sporting director ahead of his expected appointment following Richard Hughes' departure.
A move for Camara could prove to be a shrewd signing for the Merseyside club as he would help strengthen Iraola's options in the middle of the park.
Speaking earlier in the month about his failed move to Chelsea, he said: "There was a possibility I could leave.
"It didn't go through at the last minute and that's part of football. I've turned the page and am focusing on the season."
He added: "I can help the team a lot. Football moves fast. Maybe other opportunities will come along. But for now, I'm staying focused on the season with Monaco."
Lamine Camara's 2026/27 season in numbers
Appearances 7
Starts 7
Minutes 630
Goals 1
Assists 1
Yellow cards 2
What Liverpool would get in Camara
Lamine Camara for Monaco
Lamine Camara for Monaco
Liverpool fans have already had a taste of what exactly Camara would bring to the side after appearing for Monaco against the Reds during pre-season.
The defensive-minded midfielder played 64 minutes of Monaco's 3-2 win on Merseyside and caught the eye in the process.
Speaking after the game, Monaco head coach Filipe Luis hailed his player as "truly top class" and "one of the best midfielders in the world".
"We are probably talking about one of the best midfielders in the world," said the former Chelsea defender when speaking to Monaco's official website. "I don't want to talk about him too much, because I know a lot of clubs would love to have him in their squad, and he is very important to me.
"He has that quality on the ball, covers a lot of ground, he is truly top class! I am really happy to have him, and he is going to play a key role in the team.
"Keeping him? I am very hopeful he will stay. I think he is happy in Monaco. So if he stays, he can play a key role in my game plan."
Andoni Iraola (Liverpool)
Andoni Iraola (Liverpool)