Newcastle in discussions with Monaco over Lamine Camara | OneFootball

Newcastle United are in active discussions with AS Monaco over the signing of midfielder Lamine Camara.

The 22-year-old has emerged as a prime summer target for manager Eddie Howe, who is eager to inject dynamism into his midfield.

Scouts from St James’ Park have spent months tracking Camara’s progress in Ligue 1

They have identified him as an ideal fit for Howe’s high-intensity system thanks to his ability to operate as a deep-lying playmaker and a box-to-box midfielder.

After being named CAF Young Player of the Year in 2024 for his role in Senegal’s African Nations Championship triumph, he has established himself as a key figure at Monaco, registering five goals and 11 assists in Ligue 1.

The midfielder started for his country at the World Cup, although he suffered the agony of conceding the decisive penalty that resulted in the Teranga Lions being eliminated by Belgium.

Monaco are under no immediate pressure to sell, with Camara under contract until 2029, but are reportedly open to a deal if their valuation is met.

Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool have also monitored the ‘fantastic‘ Generation Foot academy graduate, but Newcastle have shown the strongest intent and are currently leading the race.

The Magpies have already agreed a deal for Bazoumana Toure and are confident of signing Johan Manzambi as they continue their summer business.

With Camara now out of the World Cup, talks over his future are expected to accelerate in the coming weeks.