Newcastle United are not likely to make a move for Netherlands international striker Bas Dost following his controversial exit from Sporting Lisbon, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper report that the Magpies have other targets this summer instead of Dost, in whom they have held long-term interest.
The Chronicle claim that the legal issues and bureaucracy involved with a move for Dost following his messy release from Sporting is not something the club are willing to face this summer.
It is said that that Dost’s high wages would be another issue, with FIFA also yet to deliver their verdict on the controversy surrounding Sporting at the moment.
Dost, who stands at 6ft 5in [Transfermarkt], has released himself from his contract at Sporting following an attack on players by fans at the club’s training ground.
The 29-year-old scored 34 goals in all competitions in 2017/18.
OPINION
It never really looked like Newcastle were to reignite their long-standing interest in Dost this summer, with other targets seeming in the club’s sights. The recent trouble at Sporting, which saw 50 masked men attack players at the training ground and headquarters, has led to several players looking to release themselves from their deals, with Dost among them. It looks like he has been successful in his efforts, and despite a free transfer now seemingly being on the table, Newcastle have obviously decided the move is not worth the effort. The colossus does look like he would be a useful addition in the Premier League, with his height meaning he is well suited to the rigours of the English top-flight, but the Magpies are obviously not convinced. It will be interesting to see who the club end up turning to in their hunt for a new striker, with the club desperately in need of a player who can guarantee at least 15 league goals next season. That will be absolutely vital if they want to climb the table and challenge for a European spot next season, and Dost does not look like he will be that man.
