Newcastle’s Premier League rivals warned of striker joining Magpies – ‘Fearsome prospect’

Striker Wood joins Newcastle

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Newcastle’s Premier League rivals have been warned about their prowess should they sign Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata this winter, despite having already spent £37million this window with the arrivals of Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier.

The duo arrived in time for the Magpies’ crunch Premier League clash against Watford on Saturday, although they couldn’t prevent their side dropping a vital two points in the relegation six-pointer against the Hornets.

The draw has handed a warning to the Magpies’ new owners, who have brought vast sums of money to Tyneside in order to avoid relegation and kick on as one of the nations’ best teams.

Defensive targets Diego Carlos and Sven Botman have both been linked with moves to St James’ Park, although it is evident the Magpies could do with more firepower up front.

And the signing of Zapata would seriously boost their chances of survival if the club were to confirm the arrival of the Colombian, according to Sky Sports.

JUST IN: Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel told two players are the main reason for his problems

Speaking on the potential arrival of the Serie A star, Sky’s South American football expert Tim Vickery claimed that Zapata would be ‘a fearsome prospect’ should he make the switch from Bergamo to the north east.

“It is often a question we have to field and we come back saying ‘well, it will be interesting to see how he copes with the physicality of the Premier League’,” Vickery said.

“It is not a question we really need to pose, however, with Duvan Zapata.

“In fact, you flip that one and it goes the other way around.

DON’T MISS

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta sends ruthless message to Thomas Partey after AFCON exit [QUOTES]
4 players Tottenham can afford and could sign in January window [TRANSFERS]
Antonio Conte’s crystal clear message to Daniel Levy after dramatic Tottenham win[QUOTES]

“Are the Premier League centre-backs prepared for the physicality of Duvan Zapata?

“He is a beast, he is a fearsome prospect there and he can look after himself up front with a lot of talent as well.”

Zapata moved to Italy in 2013, and has since played for four clubs in Napoli, Udinese, Sampdoria and Atalanta – scoring 105 Serie A goals in just 249 games.

65 of those have come at Atalanta, where he formed a superb relationship with fellow countryman Luis Muriel and Slovenian star Josip Ilicic.

However, with just 18 months left on his contract and approaching 31 years of age, Zapata could well see Newcastle as a huge incentive for one last huge contract.

Chris Wood struggled on his debut, whilst Callum Wilson is a regular injury threat.

And that could see Zapata become the number one choice to help fire the Magpies away from danger and towards mid-table.

Source: Read Full Article