The rumour of Everton’s chase for Bas Dost as a potential January signing hasn’t really lasted long, and it keeps being ruled out by several sources.
We first pointed out that Sporting didn’t accept €40m from Newcastle in the summer, according to their local media, which was a clue it was very unlikely the Portuguese side would sell the player in the winter market. That should mean he would only leave for his €60m release clause.
A day later, that was exactly what the Portuguese press reported. A Bola confirmed that Sporting have no intention of letting their main goalscorer leave in the middle of the season, so whoever wants him, would have to pay €60m.
And now the player himself is turning down the transfer. Bas Dost spoke to the Dutch media about it, and didn’t leave any room for speculation.
“I’m not waiting for a winter transfer at all,” he said (via AD). “I’m excited at Sporting and I want to be a champion here. I’m not leaving in the winter break.”
So if Ronald Koeman wants his compatriot so bad, he’ll need to wait until next summer.
