Newcastle United are reportedly keen on Napoli’s Duvan Zapata.
According to Italian newspaper Secolo XIX, Newcastle United are interested in signing Napoli striker Duvan Zapata this summer, but face competition from Southampton and Jiangsu Suning.
Newcastle have yet to make any new signings this summer, but manager Rafael Benitez certainly needs backing with reinforcements, particularly a striker.
The Magpies saw Dwight Gayle and Joselu struggle to score consistently last season, whilst Islam Slimani has returned to Leicester City and Aleksandar Mitrovic is set for a summer exit.
A number of strikers have already been linked with moves to St. James’ Park, and Italian newspaper Secolo XIX reported today that Newcastle are keen to sign Colombian hitman Duvan Zapata.
The Napoli man is expected to move on this summer, and Newcastle are allegedly plotting a move, with Premier League rivals Southampton also keen, whilst Chinese side Jiangsu Suning are thought to be preparing a big-money offer.
Zapata, 27, joined Napoli from Argentinian side Estudiantes back in 2013, working under Newcastle boss Benitez during his time there, though their relationship wasn’t always perfect, as seen in comments by the striker’s agent on Football Italia.
The powerful target man, who has five caps for Colombia, impressed on loan for Sampdoria last season with 11 goals in 31 games, but appears to be on the fringes of the Napoli side.
The Italian media think Newcastle may offer him a home, but given his less-than-ideal relationship with Benitez at Napoli during the 2013-14 season, it would be a major surprise to see the Magpies swoop to land the strong centre forward this summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
