Former Atalanta captain Papu Gomez claims Newcastle 'target' Duvan Zapata 'is so big his shorts look like underwear.'
The Argentinian playmaker was Zapata's teammate at La Dea before moving to Sevilla in 2021.
Newcastle are reportedly interested in making Zapata their third signing of the January transfer window after reports claimed a '£100k deal' had been agreed.
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However, Atalanta are reported to have rejected the Magpies loan bid, with an option of a £25million move to Tyneside.
The 6ft2 striker has scored 78 goals in all competition in 152 appearances for the Serie A outfit, and has established himself as one of the most feared strikers in the division.
Former teammate Gomez claims he was scared to get near the striker in a game 'because he was a beast.'
Speaking on his Instagram, Gomez said: "“Zapata's shorts look like underwear, he is so big.
“Sometimes I don't even want to get close to him in a match because he's a beast and it hurts.
“When he is feeling good he's like a train – you throw the ball forward and 'ciao!'”
Newcastle are also interested in a move for Atalanta full-back Robin Gosens who was a standout figure for Germany at EURO2020.
Reports claim the German international would be open to a move to Tyneside after talks with the club, but Inter Milan are also keen on the defender.
