Newcastle United are expected to step up their pursuit of Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata.
According to the latest reports, the Colombian striker is keen on a move to St James' Park, but the Serie A side turned down the Magpies first approach.
Eddie Howe's side are hoping to loan the striker until the end of the season, with a view to making the deal a permanent one, but Atalanta rejected the loan bid, which had a £22million option to buy.
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Gian Piero Gasperini's side value the striker around £35million, with Newcastle's previous offer in the region of £25million.
The target man is reportedly interested in a move to St James' Park, which would be welcome news to Howe.
The Colombian has scored 78 goals in 152 appearances for the Bergamo-based outfit.
Money, of course, is no object to the new Magpies owners, but they're keen on getting their value for money with clubs driving a hard bargain.
Howe admitted last week had been a frustrating one in terms of transfers, but the club is working hard behind the scenes to bring in new faces before the window closes on January 31.
The deal would see the Colombia international head to St James’ Park until the end of the campaign with a view to completing a permanent switch in the summer.
According to The Sunday Mirror, Toon chiefs are stepping up their efforts to thrash out a deal with the Serie A outfit for Zapata, who has consistently been one of the top scorers in Italy since his arrival in 2013.
Atalanta have already rebuffed Newcastle’s enquiry for left-back Robin Gosens and the club are demanding a hefty £8m loan fee to allow Zapata to leave.
