Everton have made contact over a potential deal to sign highly rated Belgian defensive midfielder Mandela Keita from Italian side Parma this summer.
The move, reported by Sky Sport Italy and relayed by Sport Witness, signals the Toffees are serious about strengthening their midfield options ahead of the new season.
Keita has attracted attention from multiple clubs following an impressive spell in Serie A, establishing himself as one of the more sought-after defensive midfielders in Italian football.
Everton will hope to secure a deal at around the player’s £17m Transfermarkt valuation, though Parma could demand a higher fee given the circumstances.
Keita’s contract at the Stadio Ennio Tardini runs until 2029, meaning Parma hold significant leverage in any transfer negotiations this window.
Despite a promising start to last season, which included a draw with league winners Arsenal and a win against Manchester United, Everton’s campaign ultimately unravelled in disappointing fashion.
A run of poor results toward the end of the season dashed any European qualification hopes, with the club eventually finishing 13th in the Premier League table.
David Moyes’ side failed to win any of their last seven Premier League games, a damaging sequence that ultimately defined where they ended up in the standings.
A lack of squad depth and quality was seen as a key factor in the decline, with the club unable to maintain standards when calling upon their bench during that difficult run.
Everton are now working to address those shortcomings across the squad, with the midfield identified as one of the priority areas for investment during the summer transfer window.
Adding a player of Keita’s profile would give Moyes greater solidity and options in the centre of the park, areas that were exposed during the team’s late-season slump.
Whether Everton and Parma can agree on a fee remains to be seen, but the contact made so far suggests both clubs are open to discussing a potential transfer.