Newcastle United are in the hunt for Sampdoria forward Duvan Zapata, according to Il Secoloxix.
The Italian publication state that the Magpies along with Southampton, Atalanta and Chinese side Jiangsu Suning are all keen on signing the forward who stands at 6ft 2in tall (Source: Transfermarkt).
Il Secoloxix report that Jiangsu Suning who are the latest club to enter the race are already in negotiations with Sampdoria over Zapata and that talks seems to have started well.
Good move for Newcastle?
Signing Zapata would be a good move as the Magpies need a capable of forward to arrive at St James Park this the summer.
The 27-year-old spent the 2017/18 season on loan at Sampdoria from Napoli and scored 11 goals, while creating six, in the 32 appearances he made from them across all competitions.
As confirmed by Sampdoria’s official website when Zapata joined them last summer, the Italian club are obligated to sign him on a permanent basis in this window and it seems they’re willing to instantly cash in on him.
It isn’t stated how much the Serie A side are due to pay for him and that will determine whether the Magpies are wise to swoop for him as clearly the Italian club won’t want to make a loss on the forward.
Zapata is a powerful forward and could easily be a force to be reckon with in the Premier League if given the opportunity, his known strength would see him easily able to hold the ball up for the Magpies if chosen to lead the front line.
Nothing But Newcastle Rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
No, not at this stage at least.
Il Secoloxix refer to Rafa Benitez’s side being sat in the front row when it comes to signing Zapata but it seems that Jiangsu Suning are the ones being proactive about signing him.
The Chinese club may have only just entered the race but it seems they are working hard to make steps towards agreeing a deal for his services.
However the Magpies could still have a real chance of signing him if the player would rather stay in Europe then move to China in order to play his football.
Yet the fact remains that the Magpies are yet to make contact regarding the forward and until that situation changes, his arrival at St James Park isn’t going to happen this summer.
Nothing But Newcastle Rating: 3/10
