Intermediaries seeking to arrange a transfer for Parma's Mandela Keita this summer have contacted Leeds and offered them the player. The Daily Mail and Graham Smyth of the YEP insist he is not an option, while sources have told TEAMtalk that intermediaries have offered the player to Leeds. Leeds had not yet decided whether to pursue that deal, with the Whites being strongly focused on Charles as their primary target.

It is understood that Leeds United has made contact with Parma over Mandela Keita, who is considered an alternative option to Shea Charles. Sources have confirmed that Keita is a player of interest to the Whites, although their interest has not yet led to an official bid. The club has made contact and is monitoring his situation ahead of a potential approach. The Serie A side will not prevent his exit, with claims of a €30m (£26m, $34m) price tag. Leeds, Newcastle, and Everton are all prepared to make a move, and reports in the Italian media have named the price Parma hopes to achieve.

As part of Parma's strategy to sell valuable assets before making new signings, 24-year-old Belgian international Mandela Keita is the subject of negotiations with Leeds United. The player is of interest in the Premier League, with clubs such as Everton and Tottenham Hotspur also recently linked, and discussions are reportedly based on a valuation of 30 million. According to recent reports in June 2026, Parma's asking price has been placed between €20 million and €30 million. Keita has one cap for Belgium and joined the Italian club in August 2024 from Antwerp for a fee of €12 million.