‘Non negotiable’. That’s how Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã is labelling Sporting striker Bas Dost today, giving a response to clubs who have been linked to the player in the past few days.
The main pretender, and the only club mentioned in the story, is Newcastle United. Whilst Rafael Benitez’s side are put froward as the strongest candidate from the Premier League, it’s also reported the club haven’t yet shown an intent to offer enough for Dost.
According to the newspaper, Sporting president Bruno de Carvalho will abide with manager Jorge Jesus’ request and keep the player.
Therefore, it’s reported Bas Dost is only leaving for his release clause, which is of €60m.
Dost scored 37 goals last season, and was only left behind by Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race. Here’s a player who Sporting are right to try everything to keep for next season, as they’ll need him in a title race.
Despite their stance, if Newcastle were to offer €50m for the Dutchman, who recently turned 28 years of age, Sporting would snap their hand off.
So it’s a question, if interest is genuine, of how high Newcastle will go, and how low Sporting will come down to. €40m? €35m? It may be time to start testing the Portuguese club’s resolve.
