Report: Newcastle will have to make 30-year-old their second most expensive signing ever if they’re to get him to SJP

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Newcastle United have made progress in the January transfer window, but they could still do with several more signings.

The Magpies were in dire need of bolstering their attacking ranks following Callum Wilson’s injury.

Though Newcastle moved quickly to sign Chris Wood, there’s certainly scope to bring in another striker.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb – via Sport Witness – the Magpies held talks over Duvan Zapata last week.

Newcastle reportedly made a ‘concrete proposal’ to sign the Atalanta ace on a loan deal with an ‘obligation to redeem’.

Although the Italian outfit rejected the Magpies’ first offer, they’re willing to sell, according to TMW.

Atalanta have reportedly quoted Newcastle 40m euro (around £33.5million) for Zapata.

This would make the Colombia international their second most expensive signing if they got him to St James’ Park.

As per Transfermarkt, Joelinton is Newcastle’s record signing at £39.6million, followed by Wood at £27million.

Can Newcastle sign goal machine who’s “like a train”?

Zapata is primarily known for his speed, movement, physicality, powerful shot and prolific goalscoring.

This season, he has 12 goals and seven assists from 22 Atalanta appearances.

Zapata’s overall record for his club reads 152 appearances, 78 goals and 38 assists.

Former Atalanta skipper Papu Gomez said on Instagram (via Goal.com) in 2020: “Zapata’s shorts look like underwear, he is so big.

“When he is feeling good he’s like a train – you throw the ball forward and ‘ciao!’”

Zapata also has three trophies to his name from his time with America de Cali and Napoli.

The 30-year-old has won the 2008 Colombian championship, the 2014 Italian Cup and the 2014 Italian Supercup.