Chelsea target Lamine Camara is “favouring” a move to another French club if he leaves FC Metz this summer, according to Le10 Sport.

The French publication claims that the Senegalese international had been “hunted” by the Blues, with the London club having made contact with his representatives last month.

However, their enquiries didn’t lead to a formal offer being made, with Camara focusing on his performances at the African Cup of Nations.

Despite Senegal being knocked out by Ivory Coast at the Round of 16 stage, the 20-year-old impressed in the matches he played in at the tournament.

Camara was selected ahead of the much more experienced Idrissa Gueye against Ivory Coast, with the Everton veteran being relegated to bench duties. In the group stages, he also scored a brace in the opening game against Gambia.

Which clubs are interested in signing Camara?

Le 10 Sport report that Juventus, Real Betis and “several” other Premier League teams could rival Chelsea for the midfielder’s signature.

However, it seems that Camara will not be leaving France even if he does decide to move clubs at the end of the season.

Chelsea could loan out Camara

If the Blues are determined to land the Senegalese talent, though, they do have a solution that may satisfy the player.

Strasbourg is effectively a feeder club, so they could propose signing Camara before loaning him out to the Ligue One club for the next twelve months.

It should be pointed out, though, that such an arrangement was proposed last year when the club pursued Elye Wahi. However, the striker opted to make the switch to Lens from Montpellier instead, rather than choosing Stamford Bridge.

For now, it seems as though Chelsea have cooled their interest in Camara, but it is clear that he is a player that the scouts are keeping tabs on.