According to reports in Italy this morning, Newcastle are eyeing a move to sign Colombian international striker Duvan Zapata – the striker Rafa Benitez signed back in 2013 during his spell with Napoli.
The 6ft 2′ forward currently plays for Serie A side Sampdoria, having bagged 11 goals and 6 assists in Italy last season.
Today’s story comes from Calciomercato, who claim that both ourselves and Southampton are interested in signing him this summer – although he appears to be attracting interest from big spending Chinese Super League sides too.
Most of these Italian papers aren’t the most reliable, however there might be something in this given Zapata is a player that Benitez must like and know well from his time at Napoli.
He’s not prolific, but 22 goals and 11 assists across his last two seasons in Serie A is not a bad return and the powerful 27-year-old may just be someone Rafa is considering in a bit to beef up our striking options.
I guarantee you this is not true. He is just like Mitro. He can’t run. Period.
funrafa(Quote)