Crystal Palace determined to sign £65m star with Brighton now posing threat

Crystal Palace are planning another push to sign AS Monaco star Lamine Camara, but rivals Brighton & Hove Albion have now emerged as potential suitors.

Palace have already submitted a bid in excess of £40m for Camara, which was knocked back by his current employers, with the French side believed to be holding out for a figure closer to £65m.

Monaco are playing hardball as the midfielder is still young at 22-years-old, but he has become an important player over the past two seasons, making 71 appearances, during which time he’s collected five goals and 11 assists.

However, perhaps two of the Senegal midfielder’s best traits are his work-rate and speed, with Como scout Ben Mattinson saying: “Off the ball, Lamine Camara has an insane engine covering large amounts of ground. He anticipates passes well and uses his speed to quickly get tight to the ball/player.

“Camara has quick acceleration and a natural ‘springiness’ with his weight distributed forward due to a slight lean, meaning he can quickly reach top speed. His acceleration and top speed enable him to recover and defend big spaces.

“Often, he’ll use his speed to close down attackers and make well-timed sliding tackles.”

Signing a new midfielder may not need to be a top priority for Pierre Sage’s side this summer, considering Daichi Kamada signed a one-year contract extension last month, while David Ornstein recently revealed they have no interest in selling Adam Wharton.

However, many of their current midfielders’ contracts are now set to expire soon, which means signing Camara would make sense, ahead of a potential mass exodus next summer.

Crystal Palace determined to sign Lamine Camara

REUTERS/Caean Couto

Despite having an opening bid rejected, Crystal Palace remain determined to sign Camara, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states they are planning to make another push for the Monaco man.

However, Brighton have now entered the packed race for the central midfielder, alongside Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United, which could pose a problem.

In fact, the Seagulls have emerged as firm contenders to sign the 37-cap Senegal star, and they are currently weighing up whether to make a move.

Fabian Hurzeler’s side’s interest comes amid major doubts about Carlos Baleba‘s future, and Manchester United are set to hold more talks with Brighton today, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

The Red Devils have already submitted an offer worth £65m for Baleba, and they have already struck an agreement on personal terms, with the Brighton star very keen on a move to Old Trafford.