Liverpool are closing in on their first signing of the January transfer window, with reports suggesting the club have a deal in place to bring Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara to Anfield — beating Chelsea to the punch in the process.

Journalist Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail, speaking to Anfield Index, stated that Camara is a name that "won't go away" in connection with Liverpool. Steele added that Chelsea sources had indicated Liverpool "may have a deal in place with the player," and noted that the emergence of 19-year-old Trey Nyoni in midfield could make the case for sporting director Julian Ward to accelerate the move.

Chelsea's near-miss with Camara

Chelsea had been in advanced discussions with Camara towards the close of the summer window, but Monaco ultimately withdrew from the deal. The principality club were simultaneously involved in negotiations to sell Folarin Balogun to Everton — a transfer that also collapsed after Balogun refused to complete his medical and declined the move to Merseyside. Both players remained in Ligue 1.

Liverpool's interest in Camara intensified after the club were reportedly rebuffed in a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha. TEAMtalk reported last month that Liverpool had stepped up their pursuit of Camara in the wake of that setback.

Midfield a priority for Iraola

Manager Andoni Iraola has identified central midfield as an area requiring reinforcement. Liverpool began the season with Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch operating as a double pivot, but results improved notably after the teenage Nyoni was introduced into the starting lineup. Despite Nyoni's impressive contributions, his age — he is just 19 — means Iraola may feel a more experienced presence is needed alongside him.

Iraola and his Chelsea counterpart Xabi Alonso share roots in the Basque Country, adding an intriguing personal dimension to their rivalry for Camara's signature. While Chelsea made a blistering start to the campaign under Alonso, Liverpool have since climbed above them in the Premier League standings.

Transfermarkt values Camara at €55 million. FourFourTwo also reports that Liverpool are searching for full-backs and a right-winger in the January window. The Reds return to Premier League action against Manchester United following the international break.