Sky Sport Italy report that Everton's interest is more advanced than previously suggested, with contact now established at both club and player level.
Keita, 24, is a defensive midfielder born in Leuven, Belgium, of Guinean descent. He came through the youth system at OHL before joining Royal Antwerp in January 2023, where he won the Belgian First Division title and Belgian Cup before Parma signed him for around €12m in August 2024.
He made a strong impression in his debut Serie A season, making 33 league starts and earning a reputation as one of the division's most reliable defensive midfielders — a high-energy ball-winner with the technical quality to handle the ball under pressure.
His valuation has risen to around €20m since joining Parma, and any deal would be expected to exceed that figure.
Everton manager David Moyes is keen to strengthen his midfield this summer and Keita is one of several players the club are monitoring in that area of the pitch.
The approach reflects the broader ambition at Goodison Park going into a new season, with Everton also closing in on Tyrique George from Chelsea and a deal for Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney, while Merlin Rohl's loan from SC Freiburg is expected to be made permanent.
Keita has represented Belgium at youth level but has not yet been capped by either Belgium or Guinea's senior teams.
Keita's profile — a technically capable, high-intensity defensive midfielder comfortable in both pressing and possession-based systems — aligns closely with what Moyes has been building at Everton since taking over the club.
His Serie A experience at a promoted side that competed competently in the top flight would be viewed as relevant preparation for the demands of the Premier League, and at 24 he is entering the stage of his career where a step up in level makes natural sense.
Whether Everton can agree a fee with Parma, who have little financial pressure to sell, will determine whether the approach develops into a deal before the window closes.