£100m for Alex Scott or £50m for Lamine Camara? Liverpool could be preparing to turm their attention towards the rising African star.

With Liverpool continuing to assess their options in the transfer market, journalist Paul Gorst has suggested that Camara could represent a more financially attractive target, particularly if Bournemouth's valuation of Scott proves too expensive.

Speaking to The Redmen TV, Gorst explained:

"Maybe Lamine Camara is the next one Liverpool are going to look at if it’s a midfielder. It was a fairly reasonable fee at the time, £45-50m, which is the sort of ballpark figure Liverpool used to do so well."

On Scott, however, his assessment was considerably more cautious.

"I don’t really see them paying £100m for Alex Scott."

It's a fascinating comparison, and one that raises an increasingly familiar question at Anfield: should Liverpool spend big on an established Premier League talent, or look elsewhere for a player whose potential could outweigh his price tag?

At just 22, Camara has already developed an impressive reputation in French football. Energetic, technically accomplished and comfortable operating in deeper midfield positions, the Monaco star possesses qualities that could complement Andoni Iraola's demanding system.

His defensive numbers are particularly encouraging. According to Monaco's official statistics, Camara has recorded 29 tackles, 11 interceptions and 58 ball recoveries across seven appearances this season, alongside a 91% passing accuracy. 

Liverpool's interest is hardly new. This Is Anfield previously reported that the Senegalese midfielder had been monitored closely, while Chelsea came agonisingly close to securing his signature during the summer.

That proposed £47m move collapsed, although Monaco's valuation has reportedly since increased. 

Scott, meanwhile, offers Premier League experience and an existing relationship with Iraola from their Bournemouth days. However, with The Times reporting a £100m valuation, Liverpool would need serious convincing that the England international represents value for money. 

The departures of Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott have left Liverpool with fewer midfield options, making reinforcements increasingly important.

For a club historically successful at identifying talent before valuations skyrocket, Camara feels like the more familiar Liverpool signing.

There is no guarantee that Liverpool will pursue either midfielder, but with January approaching, the decision could ultimately come down to one thing: finding the right player without paying the wrong price.

Who would you prefer Liverpool to sign in midflied? Scott or Camara? Leave your thoughts and comments below.