Leeds United have reportedly opened talks with Parma over midfielder Mandela Keita as Daniel Farke looks to add another option in the middle of the park.
The Whites have already spent much of the summer pursuing Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, but their interest is yet to produce a breakthrough.
That appears to have pushed Leeds towards alternatives, and Parma star Keita is now firmly in the frame, with talks over a possible move to Elland Road said to have started.
The 24-year-old has plenty of top-flight experience after two seasons in Serie A and was a regular for Parma last term, starting 36 of their 38 league games.
Leeds are also working on a separate deal with the Italian club for Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who could now be edging closer to a Premier League move after his World Cup campaign ended.
Leeds open talks for Mandela Keita
According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, “negotiations have begun” between Leeds and Parma over a deal for Keita.
The Belgium international is reportedly valued at around €30million (£25.7m) and is attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, with Everton previously credited as admirers.
Keita came through the academy at OH Leuven before joining Royal Antwerp, where he gained Champions League experience and established himself as one of Belgium’s most promising young midfielders.
Parma signed him in 2024 and he has since made 70 appearances across all competitions, helping the club establish themselves back in Serie A.
Leeds have been looking to strengthen in central midfield despite Farke already having captain Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka and Sean Longstaff among his options.
Southampton’s Charles has been a leading target, but reports have suggested Leeds have already seen more than one bid rejected for the Northern Ireland international.
Keita would offer another defensive option if that pursuit continues to stall and Leeds now appear ready to test Parma’s position over a player under contract in Italy.
The Whites were linked with Keita before his move to Serie A, when he was still playing in Belgium, and their interest has seemingly returned as Farke looks to build on a comfortable first season back in the Premier League.
Leeds ‘closing in’ on Zion Suzuki transfer
Keita is not the only Parma player on Leeds’ radar, with a separate report claiming the Whites are now in the final stages of a deal for goalkeeper Suzuki.
La Stampa claims Leeds have submitted a “serious” offer worth around £26m and are in a strong position to sign the Japan international.
Juventus are also reportedly interested in Suzuki, but Leeds are said to have made significant progress in their attempt to bring the 23-year-old to Elland Road.
Any deal was likely complicated by Suzuki’s involvement at the World Cup, where Japan reached the knockout stages before being eliminated by Brazil.
With his tournament now over, Leeds could step up their efforts to complete the transfer and give Farke a new first-choice goalkeeper before the start of the Premier League season.
Suzuki has spent the last two seasons alongside Keita at Parma and impressed in Serie A before further raising his profile with Japan this summer.
Leeds are yet to confirm a new signing in the current transfer window, although they have also been strongly linked with former Fulham winger Harry Wilson on a free transfer.
Farke guided the Whites comfortably clear of relegation last season and is now being backed to improve his squad, with midfield and goalkeeper emerging as two of the club’s main areas of focus.
Talks for Keita and the progress towards Suzuki suggest Parma could have a major role in Leeds’ summer business, with the Whites now pushing on two separate fronts.
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