Everton have been given a clear indication of the fee needed to sign Parma midfielder Mandela Keita, with Sport Italia reporting the Serie A club want at least €25m plus bonuses for the 24-year-old, as relayed by Sport Witness.
Everton opened talks with both Parma and Keita’s agents earlier this week, with reports in England placing the Belgian midfielder on David Moyes’ list. Atalanta have now emerged as serious competition, holding their own talks with Parma over a deal, while a “couple of foreign clubs” are also said to be interested, likely including Everton among that group.
The asking price raises a question over whether Everton want to commit that kind of fee to Keita this summer. They have already strengthened centrally, with a £16m deal for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney progressing and expected to be completed this week, while Merlin Röhl’s loan has been made permanent.
Idrissa Gana Gueye is yet to sign a new contract, however, and Tim Iroegbunam has been linked with a departure, meaning Moyes may need more midfield additions than first planned.
Atalanta’s interest could work in Everton’s favour as reassurance over Keita’s quality. The Italian club have developed a strong recent record for identifying and progressing midfield talent, with Ederson the latest to leave in a big-money move to Manchester United this summer.
