Newcastle United join race for Mandela Keita as Parma set €25m asking price

Newcastle United have entered the race to sign Parma midfielder Mandela Keita, with the Belgian emerging as one of the most sought-after players in Serie A ahead of the new season.

Everton and Leeds United have already been credited with an interest in the 24-year-old, but Newcastle are now understood to have made enquiries as they weigh up their midfield options this summer.

Keita has quietly built an impressive reputation since arriving at Parma in 2024. Signed for around €12 million, the Belgian has become one of the first names on the teamsheet, making 70 appearances across the past two seasons and establishing himself as the side's midfield anchor.

His consistency has not gone unnoticed.

Reports in Italy claim Newcastle have made initial checks over the conditions of a potential deal, while Parma are aware that interest in the midfielder is growing. The Italian club are willing to listen to offers, although only at the right price.

Current estimates value Keita at between €20 million and €25 million, a fee that would represent a healthy profit for Parma just two years after signing him.

Keita's profile makes him an intriguing option for Newcastle.

Primarily a defensive midfielder, he is comfortable shielding the back four but also has the athleticism to operate in a more advanced role when required. That versatility is likely to appeal to Eddie Howe as he looks to maintain depth and balance in midfield.

Should Newcastle lose Sandro Tonali this summer, Keita would fit the profile of a player capable of stepping into that role without commanding the kind of fee attached to some of Europe's more established names.

The Magpies have also shown in recent years that they are willing to recruit from Serie A, making this a move that would follow a familiar pattern.

Newcastle are unlikely to have a clear run at the Belgian international.

Everton and Leeds remain interested, while Atalanta have not completely ruled out revisiting the deal despite progressing with a move for Gianluca Gaetano. The Bergamo club are still expected to add further midfield reinforcements before the transfer window closes, particularly with a move for AC Milan's Ardon Jashari proving difficult.

Parma, meanwhile, are in no rush to sell. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki has also attracted attention this summer, meaning the club will carefully consider which of their prized assets, if any, they are prepared to lose.

Interest in Keita is growing, but no club has yet submitted a formal offer. Newcastle's next move may depend on how their wider midfield plans develop over the coming weeks, while Parma are expected to hold firm on their valuation unless a bidding battle emerges. With several clubs monitoring the situation, this is one transfer story that could gather pace quickly as the window progresses.

Would Mandela Keita be a smart signing for Newcastle, or should the Magpies target a more experienced midfielder this summer?