Premier League interest in Parma’s Mandela Keita is growing and Newcastle United have also joined the race for the midfielder.
This week, Sport Witness have covered how Everton and Leeds United are ready to battle it out for the 24-year-old. Atalanta had also initially seen him as a target but have moved on to Gianluca Gaetano instead.
This has left the scene open for English clubs, with Keita having impressed in the last two seasons in Serie A. He’s played 70 times for Parma, becoming the anchor in midfield under Carlos Cuesta.
Parma spent €12m to sign him in 2024 and Newcastle United can guarantee a capital gain.
Serie A side alert to possible sale
ParmaToday look at the midfielder’s situation, making it clear that the Magpies have been enquiring about a transfer.
The report clarifies that the list of suitors for Keita is growing. He is also described as someone who would be an ideal fit for Premier League football, with Parma ‘carefully evaluating’ his possible transfer this summer. He could be one of the key candidates to leave the Italian side, even if Zion Suzuki is also being linked with an exit.
Journalist Guglielmo Trupo has information on this, confirming Newcastle United’s interest.
He is certain the player will cost between €20m and €25m.
Atalanta could yet have a say in the matter. Even if they have sealed a move for Gaetano, TuttoAtalanta report they could sign two more midfielders.
Mandela is one candidate, with a move for AC Milan’s Ardon Jashari looking difficult.
Magpies move makes sense
Keita is mainly a number six who can utilise his physical strength well at number eight. This makes him an ideal fit for Newcastle United, who would need to replace Sandro Tonali.
They are no strangers to shopping in Italy either. A move is unlikely to cost much, unless other clubs make formal offers in the next few weeks.