Atalanta have offered Newcastle United a big boost in the Toon’s pursuit of Duvan Zapata, as Calciomercato report the Serie A side are probing Torino star Andrea Belotti as his heir.
The Magpies have turned attentions to the Italian top-flight as they strive to bolster Eddie Howe’s relegation-threatened ranks. Norwich City have opened a four-point lead over the St James’ Park natives after beating 10-man Watford 3-0 on Friday to edge into 17th-place.
Newcastle are ready to bet big to bring Zapata to the Premier League and sign the Atalanta striker in January. The Tyneside outfit have presented the 30-year-old with a €6.5m-a-year (£104k-a/w) contract. But their greatest hurdle remains La Dea’s reluctance to selling him.
Atalanta have demanded that Newcastle either buy Zapata in January for €40m (£33m) or agree a loan transfer featuring an obligation to buy. Any temporary deal would also see the Toon pay interest, plus assurances based on his performances and their top-flight status.
Nerazzurri coach Gian Piero Gasperini is establishing plans to reinforce his Gewiss Stadium attack in case Zapata leaves. The Bergamo side have in the last few hours probed Belotti’s interest in leaving Torino this month. They are adamant of finding a partner for Luis Muriel.
Belotti’s situation piques Atalanta’s interest, whilst Newcastle pursue Zapata’s transfer, as his Torino contract expires in June. Therefore, La Dea believe the Euro 2020 champion with Italy will be available in January for a reasonable price, if Il Toro want to avoid his free exit.
Newcastle land big Zapata transfer boost as Atalanta eye Torino’s Belotti
Newcastle will revel in Atalanta probing Belotti’s interest in leaving Torino while Gasperini eye’s Zapata’s heir, amid their transfer interest. The Nerazzurri replacing the Colombian is the biggest issue currently denying Howe a deal. But the Toon must also stump up the fee.
The Magpies’ offer to Zapata has at least attracted the 34-cap international into moving to St James’. El Tiempo report he accepted the offer, as it will triple his wage from £32k-a/w.
Howe, then, could be close to adding a forward with 12 goals and seven assists across all competitions this season. Zapata is also a striker heralded for his physicality and speed.
“Boom! He is a monster,” his Atalanta teammate Marten De Roon told BBC Sport. “He is a beast, if you see his physicality and his speed. He’s in great form. I hope he can continue.”
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