Sampdoria striker Duvan Zapata is being watched by Newcastle United.

The Evening Chronicle says Newcastle checked out Atalanta's on loan striker 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.