Liverpool made Monaco call to make plan clear as Chelsea's Camara transfer collapsed

Chelsea's move for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara failed to materialise late in the day - with Liverpool putting a call into the French side to express their interest in a future transfer.

The Blues found themselves seeking a new midfielder on deadline day after it became apparent that Enzo Fernandez was bound for Manchester City. After having two bids turned down by the French outfit, Chelsea eventually secured a breakthrough and were closing in on the £47.1million signing of Camara, before the plug was pulled at the eleventh hour.

TalkSport reports that Monaco still believe they can demand top dollar for their midfielder and Liverpool made contact to let the Ligue 1 club know that they would be keen to sign him in the future, potentially next summer. Liverpool's call had no bearing on Chelsea's move not coming to fruition.

Monaco are ready to hold out for £60m and the Reds' midfield is an area that could be exposed this season, which would prompt action in the transfer market.

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Chelsea were left fuming by the collapse of the deal with Xabi Alonso now lacking a body in midfield, even if Fernandez had largely been shunned to begin the season, owing to the noise that was surrounding his future.

Roma's Manu Kone was another midfielder high on Chelsea's wishlist but they failed to land the Frenchman, who impressed at the World Cup. They were close to an agreement to sign Kone, but Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini was determined to keep hold of the player, according to Sky in Italy.

So far this season Romeo Lavia, who has been plagued by injury issues, has started both Premier League games for Chelsea in midfield and been paired with Reece James and Cole Palmer as the Blues adapt to the new system employed by Alonso.

Another of Monaco's potential outings also fell through when Folarin Balogun, who was close to joining Everton, opted against the move. After initial concerns were raised during Balogun’s medical the player himself decided not to go ahead with the move to Merseyside.

Monaco have ultimately shown themselves willing to cash in on their top assets if the price is right. Kylian Mbappe remains the biggest departure of the last decade but since him the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni head to Real Madrid whilst this summer Maghnes Akliouche headed to PSG.

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