Everton seek Mandela Keita payment plan as Atalanta threaten deal

Everton are trying to structure a deal for Parma midfielder Mandela Keita through payments spread across several years as competition from Atalanta threatens their pursuit.

The Toffees opened talks with Parma and the player's representatives earlier this week, but the financial structure of the transfer has become a key issue following the arrival of Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough.

According to reports in Italy, negotiations remain active and a decisive development could arrive within days.

Sport Parma reports that Everton and Atalanta are both in discussions with Parma and Keita's representatives over a summer transfer.

Parma are currently demanding €30 million for the 24-year-old, although there is a belief that an agreement could eventually be reached for around €25 million plus bonuses.

Neither interested club has yet met those demands.

Everton have instead asked whether the cost can be spread across several years. The proposed payment plan would allow the Toffees to manage their summer budget while continuing to strengthen the squad.

Club officials and agents are reportedly in constant contact as they attempt to find a formula acceptable to all sides.

Everton's caution comes after completing a deal for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.

That transfer could eventually cost around €25 million if all bonuses are triggered, meaning the club must now consider carefully how further spending is structured.

The latest report suggests Everton are conscious of both Profit and Sustainability Rules and the new Squad Cost Ratio regulations. Rather than abandoning their interest in Keita, they are looking for a payment structure that reduces the immediate impact on the club's finances.

That distinction is important. Everton remain in negotiations, but they are not currently prepared to simply meet Parma's demands on the terms requested.

The pursuit of another midfielder after Hackney suggests the club are looking to significantly reshape that area of the squad rather than make one isolated addition. Keita would offer a different profile, but the overall cost must fit the wider recruitment plan.

Atalanta may be better positioned to move quickly.

The Serie A club have already agreed personal terms with Keita over his salary and contract length, giving them an advantage if they can settle on a fee with Parma.

Their financial position is also strengthening. Atalanta have sold Marco Palestra to Chelsea for €57 million and are expecting further income from Ederson's proposed move to Manchester United.

Even so, they are also attempting to negotiate Parma down from the initial €30 million demand.

For Everton, that creates a difficult balance. Waiting for Parma to compromise could produce a more favourable deal, but it may also allow Atalanta to move ahead.

However, it remains too early to suggest the Toffees have withdrawn from the race. Talks are continuing and the requested payment plan appears to be an attempt to find a workable solution rather than end negotiations.

Everton must now decide how strongly they want to push for Keita after already committing significant funds to Hackney.

Parma appear willing to continue discussions, with a package of around €25 million plus bonuses potentially providing the basis for an agreement. The remaining question is whether they will accept Everton's preferred payment schedule.

Atalanta remain a serious threat because of their agreement with the player and expected transfer income. With negotiations active on both fronts, Keita's future could become clearer in the coming days.

Should Everton push ahead with another major midfield signing after Hayden Hackney, or use their remaining budget elsewhere?