Sources: Southampton submit loan-to-buy bid for Duvan Zapata
Southampton have made a beat-the-deadline move for Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata, sources have told Football Insider.
The Saints have submitted a loan offer with an option to buy for the 31-year-old.
Colombian international Zapata, who is in the final 18 months of his deal at Atalanta, has been on the radar of multiple clubs this month including some in the Premier League.
Southampton are keen to bring in a new striker after losing out in their bid to land Braga frontman Vitinha.
Marseille hijacked the move for the Portuguese striker and he is headed for France to finalise the deal.
The Saints triggered Vitinha’s £26.2million release clause as they looked to close a deadline-day deal following extensive talks – but have now turned their attention to other targets.
Zapata has scored just one goal in 14 appearances for Atalanta this season – nine of which have come as a starter.
However, the Colombia international has an impressive record overall in Italian football.
He has notched 107 goals and 46 assists across 270 games in spells at Atalanta, Udinese, Sampdoria, and Napoli since leaving Estudiantes in 2013.
Nathan Jones has been keen to add more firepower to his Southampton squad this month as they look to steer clear of relegation in the Premier League.
The Saints sit bottom of the top flight with 18 games remaining this season.
Jones’ side have scored just 17 times in 20 league matches this season, with only three teams in the division scoring fewer goals.
In other news, Football Insider has a major update on Southampton’s bid to sign Ligue 1 star.