Leeds United ready to battle Everton for €30m Mandela Keita transfer

Leeds United are ready to compete with Everton for Parma midfielder Mandela Keita after both Premier League clubs made contact over a possible summer transfer.

The 24-year-old Belgium international has emerged as a target for Daniel Farke’s side, while Everton are also pushing for a deal as they look to replace Idrissa Gueye. According to reports in Italy, Parma have set an asking price of €30 million.

Keita joined Parma from Royal Antwerp in August 2024 and has since established himself as an important figure in the Italian club’s midfield.

The defensive midfielder has made 70 appearances for Parma, including 40 during the 2025/26 campaign. Those performances have attracted attention from England, with both Leeds and Everton now contacting the Serie A club.

Everton had already asked Parma about the possibility of structuring payments for a transfer. Leeds have since stepped up their own interest and are reportedly ready to battle their Premier League rivals for the Belgian.

The Yorkshire club have also been linked with Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, suggesting their recruitment team have been paying close attention to the Italian side.

Everton’s interest is particularly significant following Gueye’s departure at the end of his contract in June.

David Moyes now needs another defensive midfield option, and Keita has been placed on the club’s shortlist. His experience in Belgium and Italy, combined with his age, makes him a potential longer-term solution in the position.

Leeds, however, are not prepared to leave the field clear for Everton. Reports in Italy describe the situation as an all-English battle, with both clubs considered capable of financing a deal.

Parma’s €30 million valuation remains the main obstacle. Neither Leeds nor Everton have yet been reported as meeting that asking price.

Keita is under contract until 2029, leaving Parma in a strong negotiating position. His market value has also risen significantly over the past year, reflecting his progress in Serie A.

Atalanta had previously shown interest, but their attention has reportedly shifted towards Cagliari midfielder Gianluca Gaetano. That has reduced one source of competition, although other unnamed clubs could still enter the race.

The interest in Keita fits a wider attempt to strengthen key positions with players who still have room to develop. However, it remains too early to determine whether the club will meet Parma’s valuation.

Leeds and Everton must now decide whether to turn their initial approaches into formal offers. The structure of any deal could be important, particularly after Everton reportedly asked about a payment plan.

Parma have no immediate need to sell because of Keita’s long-term contract, but the situation could accelerate if either Premier League club moves closer to the €30 million asking price.

Who needs Mandela Keita more this summer: Leeds United or Everton?