Everton want Mandela Keita transfer as David Moyes' desire revealed
Everton have shown an interest in signing Parma midfielder Mandela Keita.
Even now, it's likely that the signing of a new right-back will be the Toffees' main priority, though there are still several other areas of the squad that need attention ahead of the new campaign.
The midfield is one of them, with Everton's lack of depth and quality in the middle having been exposed several times last season.
James Garner had a fine campaign, but the lack of quality at times outside of him was concerning.
As a result, the Blues have now shown an interest in signing Belgium international, Keita.
However, if a deal is to come to fruition, Everton will have to fight some hefty competition to bring him to Hill Dickinson.
Who is Mandela Keita?
The Toffees have been linked with a whole host of midfielders already, though Keita is perhaps one of the lesser known names.
At 24 years old, he has spent the majority of his career in Belgium, before making the move to Parma back in 2024.
Since then, he has made 70 appearances across all competitions, including 37 in the Serie A last season, 36 of which saw him named in the starting 11.
He is a deep-lying number six by trade, which is clearly the position that David Moyes is looking into this summer.
And as per Sky Sports, Everton are keen, but face competition from "big clubs" in Italy.
Keita is under contract until 2029, meaning Parma will be under no immediate pressure to sell him, though an exit is far from being ruled out.
What does this mean for Hackney pursuit?
Ultimately, not a lot.
While Keita and Hayden Hackney may share a position, the latter can also operate in several midfield roles, meaning a double deal could, in theory, happen.
As for why it hasn't, Middlesbrough seem to be holding strong on their stance for the midfielder, despite the general feeling that an exit is inevitable.
Everton may well still pursue both targets, though that decision is likely to come down to the finances involved.