Lee Ryder has released an intriguing update on the future of Duvan Zapata – a long-term Newcastle United target who continues to be linked with a summer move to Tyneside.
In his latest piece for The Chronicle, he reports that the striker is keen on a move to England and will arrive at St James’ Park with a ‘point to prove’ ahead of our pre-season friendly with Atalanta next Friday.
Sources close to the striker insist there’s ‘not been a solid bid’ for the Colombian so far, however his camp have issued a “watch this space” message to the North-East paper with regards to his future. Agent talk to encourage interest from elsewhere or a line that’s worth reading into? Who knows.
Ryder adds that he could be available at around £21m – a reasonable fee for a prolific striker who’s bagged 79 goals an 38 assists in 162 appearances for Atalanta.
That said, he turned 31 a few months ago and doesn’t fit in with the young, versatile forwards we’ve been pursuing so far this summer, meaning this one may only appeal if a loan deal could be agreed?
One to watch next Friday and someone head scout Steve Nickson appears to really like, but I wouldn’t bank on the big man ending up on Tyneside this summer.
