Everton's late hunt to sign Mandela Keita emerges - here are the details

Everton are looking to sign Parma midfielder Mandela Keita before the transfer deadline.

The Toffees are set to lose Tim Iroegbunam to Hull City, with the Englishman undergoing a medical with the Tigers.

His departure leaves a gap in David Moyes' side, and Keita who has been capped for Belgium, has emerged as an option.

Everton had been linked with Keita previously, with interest emerging earlier this summer transfer window.

Now, it seems based on their situation they are actively looking to bring him to Hill Dickinson and here is what we know.

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How advanced are Everton's talks for Mandela Keita?

Everton are set for a busy deadline day with plenty of deals to be done.

Moves for a right-back in Kenny Tete are underway, with Jack Grealish poised for a return as well.

However, according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Everton are also working on a deal to sign Keita.

At the moment, those talks are said to be "ongoing contacts" with Parma, with the Toffees also facing competition from sister club Roma.

For Everton fans, there would be a sense of relief that this is not a panic purchase from the Blues, with Keita a long-term target for Moyes.

Now, it will be a wait and see as to whether or not a late deal can be struck with the Serie A side.

What type of midfielder is Keita?

Keita is a strong-ball winning and duel specialist in the middle of the park.

That is evident through his 2025-2026 numbers with Parma in the Serie A. As per Sofascore, over 37 appearances, he averaged a duel success rate of 62 per cent.

Last season, Iroegbunam came in with 55 per cent in his duels, so the Merseyside club would be making an upgrade in that department.