Everton contacted Parma earlier this week regarding a deal for midfielder Mandela Keita, with Atalanta also in the picture for him.
Sport Parma report their information on the 24-year-old today following reports of Everton’s interest in the Belgian this week.
Everton open talks
Sport Witness covered report earlier this week that explained that Everton had opened talks with Parma and the player’s representatives over a move to the Hill Dickinson stadium this summer.
A second report the following day explained that they would need €25m to get a deal done. That also explained Atalanta are in the mix as they seek a replacement for Manchester United bound Ederson. A third report then explained a double raid on Serie A could be on the cards this summer.
Sport Parma now provide their own information. They state that Keita is currently waiting to find out what his future holds. They confirm that Everton and Atalanta have opened talks with Parma and his agents to work out a deal.
The Italian side are currently asking for €30m. But the feeling is that a deal could be struck for €25m plus bonuses. Neither Everton nor Parma have met those demands yet. However, negotiations remain open and club officials and agents are in ‘constant contact’ to find a solution.
In fact, Sport Parma believe that it cannot be ruled out that a decisive move could be made in a few days’ time.
Everton wavering
Everton target Mandela Keita
Everton target Mandela Keita
According to them, Everton are wavering after their initial interest. They contacted Parma earlier this week but requested a ‘payment plan’ spread out over several years. The Toffees have a budget to stick to and are wary of ‘financial constraints’ of PSR and SCR.
Having finalised a deal for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney on Thursday – potentially worth €25m if add-ons are met – they are now being careful with where they spend next. That, it seems, has pushed them to try and work out a financial package with Parma that suits them.
The situation is different for Atalanta. They have just sold Marco Palestra to Chelsea for €57m. The money from Ederson’s move is also impending.
They want to bring down Parma’s initial demands regardless. But they do have one advantage as an agreement is already in place with Keita regarding his pay packet and the length of the contract.
Negotiations are continuing with both clubs either way. Further developments are expected in the coming days.