Newcastle United have a genuine interest in AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara as manager Eddie Howe begins his summer rebuild at St James' Park, with initial talks already underway.
According to a report by Yahoo Sports, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Newcastle have already held preliminary discussions over a move for Camara. The 22-year-old is not short of suitors, however, with several clubs across Europe also weighing up a bid.
A disappointing Premier League campaign has pushed the club to accelerate its transfer plans, and a central midfielder is one of the priority positions Newcastle are looking to address. There is also uncertainty around current midfielder Sandro Tonali, the Italy international who is attracting interest from Premier League rivals including Manchester United and Arsenal.
Camara has scored once and provided four assists in Ligue 1 this season. His statistical profile stands out in several areas, with the midfielder ranking in the top 10 percent of players in France for successful crosses, big chances created, recoveries, fouls won, and interceptions.
Newcastle are hopeful that Camara's fee could remain reasonable, given that Monaco is expected to miss out on Champions League qualification. A club missing out on European football's top competition may have less leverage in transfer negotiations than one securing a place in it.
Camara is already an experienced international despite his age. He was a standout figure in Senegal's 2022 Africa Cup of Nations title-winning campaign, earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament, and has accumulated 41 senior caps.
