Newcastle United are eyeing a move to sign Monaco sensation Lamine Camara this summer, according to Caught Offside.
The Magpies are anticipating big changes in their squad this summer as they look set to miss out on European football, with the team sitting 12th in the Premier League following their derby day defeat to Sunderland before the international break.
Midfield stars Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes have both been heavily linked with a move away from St James' Park, and that means Eddie Howe will need to find a replacement should they move on, which has led them in the direction of the Ligue 1 star.
Newcastle Eyeing Camara Deal
Lamine Camara for Monaco
Camara, who has been described as a 'beast', has emerged as one of the best young midfielders in Europe since joining Monaco, and the 22-year-old has been watched closely by the recruitment staff at Newcastle.
Monaco are well known for their willingness to sell their best players for the right price, and it's understood that the situation is the same for the Senegal international this summer, although they would prefer to keep hold of him for at least another season.
Newcastle are expected to be in the race for his signature this summer, especially if they lose either of their current midfield superstars, but Monaco have slapped an asking price of between €65-75m (£56.4-65.1m) to ensure they get maximum value, with the understanding that it would take an 'astronomical' offer to convince them to sell up.
Camara's current contract with the Ligue 1 club runs until 2029 and there is no release clause, giving Monaco full control over the terms of any deal, although it's understood the player would be open to the move to further enhance his career prospects.
Camara Could Be Ideal Midfield Option
Eddie Howe
Howe has been known to want energy and physicality in his midfield, and Camara would be able to bring that in abundance, plus a technical quality from a deeper position to help the team in build up.
Replacing Tonali or Guimaraes is not going to be an easy thing for anyone to do, let alone a 22-year-old, but Camara is highly-rated for a reason and he would arguably be the best option to do just that, considering the state of the midfield market and the fact Newcastle are unlikely to be playing in Europe.
GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT to rate the potential signing of Lamine Camara for Newcastle, and this was its response:
Rating: 8/10
Lamine Camara is a high-upside, versatile midfielder (6/8) with strong defensive output and ball progression.
Fits Newcastle United’s intensity and succession planning.
Slight risk: still developing, not yet elite-level consistent.
Competition + fee could complicate deal.
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