Everton have 'initiated contact' with both Parma and Mandela Keita over a possible move this summer.
Sky Sport Italy Report Everton have today opened talks about signing the 24-year-old midfielder.
Everton's interest is increasing
A report in England last week said that Mandela Keita was one of a number of midfielders Everton are currently keeping an eye on in the market. David Moyes is keen to strengthen that area of his team this summer.
Sky Italy now follows this with its own information. According to him, Everton's interest is more advanced than suggested. They report that not only have Everton started contacting Parma about the midfielder, but they have also been in contact with Keita and his agents.
This shows that he is firmly in their sights this summer. In fact, it's possible that they may be convincing both sides about a potential deal.
Keita has enjoyed a steady rise since joining Parma from Royal Antwerp in 2024. He was valued at €12m at the time but is now worth €20m. However, the cost of any deal would likely be higher than that.
Everton rebuilding the midfield
Parma have the Belgium international, who is not part of the World Cup squad this summer, tied down on a deal until 2029. Therefore, there is no immediate need to sell this summer. What Everton are willing to pay remains to be seen.
It seems they are determined to change their midfield options this summer. Progress is believed to be progressing on a deal for Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney and it could happen this week.
On the other hand, Idrissa Gana Gueye is yet to sign an extension to his current contract and Tim Iroegbunam has been linked with a £20m transfer to Ipswich Town. This would mean two out and just one in compared to last season.
However, a big gain on Iroegbunam would provide funds for Keita. Perhaps that's why Everton are already in contact with agents from Parma and Belgium.
🇳🇱Virgil van Dijk's expulsion
❌Liverpool player told that he is finished
➡️ Koeman blamed for playing too defensively
➡️ VVD's failure in the group stage promoted change
❌ 'Our national team has betrayed everything it stands for'https://t.co/6yDeY4DC5j #lfc- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 30 June 2026
