Liverpool closing in on signing African superstar

Liverpool are now closing in on an African super talent.

There's so much focus on the attack in these last few days of the window. Richard Hughes is trying to wrap up the signing of Bradley Barcola, which could be coming to a timely and successful conclusion in the coming days.

But it's not just Barcola Liverpool are pursuing.

In the past few days, the Reds have started to scramble for a suitable right-wing option. Ibrahim Mbaye was a target for a while, with murmurs of even an agreement on personal terms having been struck.

However, Liverpool have also moved to pursue moves for Yankuba Minteh and Ismaila Sarr, tabling bids for both players which were subsequently rejected.

Given how Liverpool lost Mo Salah at the end of the season, it makes sense that Liverpool would try to sign a right-winger. What makes little sense is how late Hughes has left it.

Liverpool will have known about Salah's departure as early as January. They had time to come up with a plan. Sure, a lot of their hopes rested on Yan Diomande.

But there should also have been alternatives. Any smart club will have moved on to those alternatives once it was clear Diomande was not coming to Anfield.

Why Liverpool could still sign a midfielder

But Liverpool have dithered and failed to make a move and now they are in a desperate situation come the final few days of the window.

What will be an even bigger mistake is not only not signing a right-winger but also failing to sign a midfielder.

Let's be honest, the Reds' midfield options are looking very thin at the moment.

Right now with Curtis Jones' departure and Stefan Bajcetic set to follow, these are the players who could play in that double pivot:

• Dominik Szoboszlai

• Ryan Gravenberch

• Alexis Mac Allister

• Wataru Endo

• Trey Nyoni

We are not going to include James McConnell on here, because he clearly isn't ready to step up and will likely head out on loan. Endo's future is also up in the air, and he could leave on a permanent basis.

Nyoni is talented but Liverpool should not rely on him.

Most importantly, Liverpool will need a more defensive minded player. The game against Newcastle showed that Andoni Iraola's system requires a player who knows when to hold his run and when to commit.

It's something the recruitment team also recognises and they are exploring options.

Liverpool move one step closer to signing Lamine Camara

Anfield Watch understands Liverpool are preparing a late move for the Senegalese midfielder. He has been on the club's radar for a long time and was identified as a target last summer when Arne Slot vetoed his arrival.

A year on, Camara is an ideal fit for Iraola's heavy pressing system. The African super talent is known for his ability to cover a lot of ground and win the ball on a consistent basis.

Camara is a player Monaco will be reluctant to sell. However, the French side may have not choice but to sell him.

They are in a difficult financial situation and may need to make some major sales before the end of the window.

Now, this will give Liverpool the opportunity to swoop in and get a favourable deal for Camara.

And it looks like a deal is edging closer. According to Lucas Bendoni Monaco have reached an agreement in principle to sign Mexican midfielder Erik Lira.

This will force Monaco to sell a non-EU player.

Well, who could that be?

With a midfielder coming in, you'd bet good money it's Camara. Which is why Liverpool are now getting a step closer to securing their man.