Colombian website El Tiempo claim that Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata has agreed to join Newcastle United this month. It comes after Newcastle tabled a second bid, believed to be worth in the region of £36.8million.
Zapata, 30, has been strongly linked with a move to Newcastle over the past few days. He has been in sensational form for Atalanta, scoring `12 goals and laying on seven assists in just 22 league and cup appearances.
But having entered the final 18 months of his contract, Newcastle have been looking to pounce – with Robin Gosens also being linked. The latest report claims that after a £25million bid was rejected, Newcastle have returned.
Indeed, that second offer is much bigger at £36.8million – and the player himself has accepted a move to Newcastle. Zapata is said to be ‘excited’ about playing in the Premier League with the cash-rich Tyneside club.
The report states he will more than triple his wages, from £32,000 a week to £105,000 a week. Only one thing is left, for Newcastle to convince Atalanta into accepting a move – but it is certainly gathering pace.
Zapata agrees Newcastle move: What is a fair price for striker?
Zapata is proven in the Champions League and has sparkled for Atalanta in Serie A over the last few seasons. In his 152 appearances, he has scored a huge 78 goals in 152 games – but also, creatively, laying on 38 assists.
It is perhaps that latter stat that is attracting Newcastle. Chris Wood and Callum Wilson are goalscorers, but they are not the all-round striker that Zapata is. If the Toon can get him for less than £40million, it is a good deal.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
