Report: Club now just waiting for NUFC to bid for their £20m player, they’re happy to sell him

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Atalanta B.C. are prepared to sell Duvan Zapata to Newcastle United, per L’Eco di Bergamo (relayed by Calcio Atalanta). The Italian side is waiting for clubs from England to make a move for the Colombian, particularly Newcastle.

The Magpies are looking for a Hugo Ekitike alternative, as the ex-Stade Reims striker joined Paris Saint-Germain. We reported that Zapata’s price had been slashed to £20 million a couple of days ago. But now it appears the ball is in the court of the Toon.

Also, the striker was linked with Newcastle in January. It was reported that he wanted to join the club during the window at one point. Atalanta rejected the Magpies twice in January, once with a loan offer and the second a £25 million bid. But now it looks as if the club could get for him a fair bit less than they would’ve done a few months ago.

Newcastle need another forward, but Zapata would only be a short-term option

With Atalanta prepared to sell Zapata at a cut price, it would be a bargain for Newcastle. His goal record in Serie A is fantastic and he would be a great option to have as well as Callum Wilson.

Other strikers that they’ve had an interest in look too difficult to complete. Armando Broja looks very close to joining West Ham and Alexander Isak appears to be way too expensive.

Furthermore, Zapata currently looks like the most viable Ekitike alternative. Despite being a lot older, he would cost significantly less. Newcastle and their owners want to make sure they’re not breaching Financial Fair Play.

However, he would be a short-term option for Eddie Howe’s side. But he does offer something very different, he’s a powerhouse and has been described as ‘resembling’ Lukaku.

From the report, it’s down to Newcastle whether they want to pay Zapata’s price of £20 million. They’re in need of another striker and Howe will want to get one in before the Nottingham Forest clash.

From the targets previously mentioned, it’s clear the Magpies want a young striker. However, they could just delay their desire for a young attacking prospect by a year.

Newcastle could sign Zapata this year and then next summer sign an exciting young striker. By this time next season, perhaps Chris Wood might be sold. He was also another short-term option when he was signed in January.