Newcastle are closely monitoring two South American players

Newcastle United are taking a close look at two South American players from Uruguay and Colombia.

It looks like the impressive form of Salomon Rondon and Miguel Almiron has made Newcastle United turn their attention to South America. It is being reported that the Magpies are closely monitoring Uruguayan midfielder Nahitan Nandez and Colombian striker Duvan Zapata.

Nandez currently plays for Argentine giants Boca Juniors and Zapata is a Sampdoria loanee playing for Atalanta in Italy. Both of these players are enjoying good form with their respective clubs and national teams, and both of these players would be great additions to Newcastle’s roster. Both players have the talent and work rate that Rafa Benitez is looking for, and they both meet Mike Ashley’s age criteria.

Nahitan Nandez – Central Midfielder – Boca Juniors

Newcastle are in dire need of a quality central midfielder and Nandez fits the bill. He is not a goal scoring machine, but the Magpies do not need him to be one. Nandez is an aggressive player who fights for every loose ball without conceding many fouls, has quick feet, is a good dribbler and has good vision. He would not be the playmaker that Newcastle are looking for, but he would spread the ball around well.

In addition to his style of play, Nandez has some useful experience under his belt thanks to being a regular player for Uruguay. His work rate in the middle of the park was pivotal to Uruguay’s success and he was a major reason why they made it to the quarter finals of the World Cup last summer. Newcastle expressed interest in signing Nandez last summer and it looks like they will try to make a move for the 23-year-old in July. Boca Juniors is said to have an asking price of £18M for Nandez.

Duvan Zapata – Striker – Atalanta

Duvan Zapata is playing the best football of his career this season. The 27-year-old  has made 38 appearances for Atalanta across all competitions this season and has scored an impressive 22 goals. Zapata has been all over the place in Italy. His Serie A career began in 2013, but he has played for four different teams since then. He has scored in double figures for every team he has played for, though, and that is exactly what the Magpies need.

At present, the only reliable striker on Newcastle’s roster is Salomon Rondon, who has scored 10 goals and bagged five assists across all competitions this season. The problem for Newcastle, however, is that Mike Ashley might not sign Rondon to a permanent contract because of his age. Moreover, Yoshinori Muto and Joselu have not contributed much of anything to the team this season.

Zapata would be welcomed with open arms at St. James’ Park, but his price has not been revealed yet, but he could cost close to £40M. Several clubs, including West Ham, are competing for his signature as well. It will be a major challenge signing him, but Newcastle should not give up until it becomes clear that he is no longer unavailable.