Newcastle United are looking to improve their attacking options before the January transfer window closes, and the Premier League side have identified the Colombian international Duvan Zapata as a target.
According to a report from Daily Record, the Premier League side have offered around €30 million for the experienced striker.
It is being reported that the Italian club are open to selling the 30-year-old striker for a fee of around €45 million, and it remains to be seen whether Newcastle are prepared to raise their offer for the striker.
Zapata has been in exceptional form from Atalanta since joining the club, and he has scored 65 goals in 118 league appearances for them.
The Colombian has a contract with Atalanta until the summer of 2023, and he is open to joining the Premier League club if the two clubs can agree on a fee.
Newcastle United are currently struggling towards the bottom of the Premier League, and they will need to improve their squad significantly in order to beat relegation this season.
They have already improved their defence with the signing of Kieran Trippier, and signing a recognised goal scorer like Zapata will enhance the squad further.
Newcastle have signed Chris Wood from Burnley in order to bolster their attacking ranks. Still, Zapata would be an upgrade on the Premier League striker, and the magpies must do everything in their power to secure his services.
The 30 year old Colombian international is not just a reliable goal scorer, but his contribution to the buildup play could add a new dimension to the Newcastle attack.
The 30-year-old has the technical and the physical attributes to succeed in English football. His powerful presence and ability to hold up the ball could benefit Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron.
Apparently, Newcastle are keen on signing the Benfica striker Darwin Nunez as well. Still, the 22-year-old is unlikely to be available midway through the season, and therefore Zapata has been identified as an alternative to the Uruguayan international.
The Colombian is at the peak of his powers right now, and he could prove to be a quality short term addition for Newcastle.
