Newcastle United checked out Atalanta's on loan striker Duvan Zapata during Italian scouting missions this season - according to sources in Serie A.
The Colombian international is Italy's fourth top scorer this season with 17 goals to his name so far in what has been a successful loan stint from Sampdoria.
Atalanta are due to make the deal permanent as part of an option to buy but they are getting ready to sell him this summer when the deal is officially completed.
United have stepped up their hunt for talent in Serie A in recent times, and Rafa Benitez is still keen to look at players who have experience under their belts, with Zapata fitting into that category.
The 6ft 2in striker played under Benitez at Napoli after he signed him from Estudiantes, but there is also interest from West Ham, Roma and Inter Milan for the South American.
It is a complicated deal for interested buyers with a fee of £38million for the player being bandied around in the Italian newspapers this morning.
Newcastle have also been linked with Joelinton in recent times but the player admitted he is keen to stay at Hoffenheim yesterday.
Benitez and United chiefs will have to find some common ground when it comes to the club's transfer blueprint with Mike Ashley seemingly advised to buy young players despite the Toon boss knowing that experience can help the club achieve their goals more quickly.
When the two parties sit down, Benitez will cite Salomon Rondon's success this season in the number 9 shirt as an example of players in their peak years doing the business for the black and whites.
Newcastle United and Swiss FA make joint decision to pull Fabian Schar out of Denmark game
