Report: Newcastle now in talks for 12-goal star; but see bid rejected

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Newcastle United have now entered into talks to sign Duvan Zapata, but Sky Sports report on their live transfer blog (18/1; 21:26) that Atalanta have rejected their opening bid for the striker.

Zapata has been outstanding in Serie A this season. The 30-year-old has nine goals and five assists in 16 appearances in the top-flight. He also has three in the Champions League.

In total, he has 105 goals in 249 games in Serie A. So it is little surprise that he has caught the eye of Newcastle as the Magpies continue to push for signings.

Eddie Howe has received a huge January boost in recent hours. It was reported that Diego Carlos has told Sevilla that he wants to leave to move to Tyneside.

And it appears that Newcastle have pressed ahead with another marquee deal. Sky Sports have claimed that a bid for Zapata has been made, with talks underway.

However, the Nerazzurri felt that the offer was impossible to accept. Newcastle offered to take Zapata on loan for £4 million. The bid included an obligation to buy in the summer for £21.7 million should the club stay up.

Previous reports have stated that Atalanta want £33.3 million for their top goalscorer.

Newcastle signing Zapata on loan with obligation dependent on Premier League survival would be inspired

Obviously, Atalanta rejected Newcastle’s initial offer. However, the Magpies look to have made an incredibly smart move to pursue an initial loan.

Zapata is enjoying the spell of his career at Atalanta. He is on another level to what he has achieved previously. And with that, Newcastle are right to be a little wary of making him their second biggest signing ever.

Clearly, they need to increase their offer significantly. But if they can agree a loan with an obligation dependent on staying up, it could be a masterstroke.