According to 90min, Duvan Zapata was keen to join West Ham on deadline day after a late bid was submitted for the man also eyed by Newcastle.
What’s the story?
Well, the 30-year-old was strongly linked to Newcastle, although 90min believe the Magpies decided to focus on Jesse Lingard and Hugo Ekitike.
That allowed West Ham a free run at the Colombia international, and he was very interested in a move to the London Stadium.
The Hammers submitted a deal sheet to the Premier League in an attempt to get the move done, although it all happened too late.
It came after Benfica issued a hands-off warning to West Ham when they tried to sign Uruguay international Darwin Nunez.
90min are claiming that the offer for Zapata was structured as an initial loan move with an option to buy.
You can understand why West Ham and Newcastle were interested in the South American marksman.
So far this season, the Atalanta No.91 has scored 12 goals in 22 games, while also providing seven assists for his teammates.
West Ham and Newcastle took risks
Ultimately, West Ham failed to sign Zapata, and Newcastle failed to land Ekitike – despite shifting their attention to the 19-year-old.
It showed just how difficult it can be to sign a striker on deadline day, although you could argue that the Premier League duo shouldn’t have left it that late.
Now, David Moyes must juggle the Europa League with a push for the top four, all with just one senior striker available in Michail Antonio, who is susceptible to injuries.
In Newcastle’s case, Eddie Howe must rely on Chris Wood until Callum Wilson returns from injury, a man with only three goals this season.
It’s safe to say that recruitment in the centre-forward department could’ve gone better for the Hammers and the Magpies in January.
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