Sources: Atalanta respond after Newcastle submit £22m Zapata bid
Newcastle United have submitted a £22million loan-to-buy bid for Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata, Football Insider understands.
The 30-year-old is among multiple stars on United’s wanted list as they look to add more firepower to boost their survival hopes.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Newcastle have offered to take Zapata on loan for a fee of £7m with an option to buy for £22m.
This has been rejected by the Italian club as they want to keep hold of their star striker.
It remains to be seen if Newcastle will return with an improved offer for the front man.
Zapata is part of the Atalanta side that has won hearts and minds in recent years by defying expectations in Italy and in Europe.
Gian Piero Gasperini's side have finished 3rd in each of the last three Serie A seasons, with Zapata netting 66 times across those campaigns.
The 34-cap Colombia international, who is contracted in Bergamo until 2023, has also been on target 12 times in 22 outings this season.
Newcastle's interest in the powerful goalscorer comes after they completed the signing of Chris Wood from Burnley on a £25m deal last week.
This site revealed today (18 January) that the Kiwi hitman's release clause did not come into effect until next summer's window.
That is in contrast to what has been reported elsewhere.
The Magpies will be without top scorer Callum Wilson for the foreseeable after the 29-year-old suffered a serious calf injury in late December.
Newcastle, the world's richest club after the Saudi PIF's takeover last October, are currently second-from-bottom in the Premier League.