Liverpool are said to be showing real interest in AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara ahead of the winter transfer window. The Reds were tipped to sign a midfielder for much of the summer, with many feeling as though competition was required for Ryan Gravenberch, but Andoni Iraola ultimately decided to focus on other areas of his squad.

Since then, the Reds have gotten off to a respectable start to the season, currently in fourth place, but they certainly haven't set the world alight, and they have struggled for consistency under their new boss, which is perhaps to be expected in most cases when a new boss takes over.

Liverpool haven't been helped by the absence of both Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong at right-back, and the defence as a whole has been a clear area of concern. But there are also issues in the midfield that have been made worse by both Dominik Szoboszlai and Gravenberch picking up injury issues.

Szoboszlai picked up a knee sprain, and while it is not serious, when paired with Gravenberch's heel issue, which the Reds hope is a short-term issue, it is a reminder of how light the Reds are in the middle of the park.

According to Lewis Steele, the Reds could move for a midfielder in January as a result, and Monaco's Camara is said to be of interest.

"Lamine Camara is a name that just won’t go away and even Chelsea sources I’ve spoken to believe #LFC may have a deal in place with the player," he told Anfield Index. "With Szoboszlai & Gravenberch picking up injuries, Trey Nyoni being brilliant but only 19, you do wonder if this is one Ward could bring forward."

Nyoni has impressed, but Liverpool are likely to come up against some experienced and impressive midfield units in the Premier League, in particular. That may lead Iraola to feel as though midfield recruitment is required.

Camara is only 22 years of age himself, but he is already attracting plenty of praise having become a regular for Monaco and his national team, Senegal.

AS Monaco boss Filipe Luis has said of the 'top-class' midfielder:

He embodies the future of the game. He can run a marathon, play for ninety minutes without ever letting up, whilst playing football.

"In twenty years' time, we may well see plenty of players like him."

He later added: "Without the ball, he is already at an exceptional level, really fantastic. He sacrifices himself for the collective, so I am very happy to work with him. I want absolutely to keep him, because I know this type of profile is rare in football."

Camara is a fine talent, but it's not easy for young players to hit the ground running in the Premier League, and the Monaco starlet could be joining mid-season, which certainly adds a layer of difficulty. But with players like Victor Muñoz, Bradley Barcola, Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, it's clear Liverpool want a young base of top talent that can carry the club forward for years to come. Camara fits the bill under that strategy.