Striker Bas Dost has been mentioned as a possible signing in recent transfer windows. Speculation then increased after the Dutchman was released from his contract with Sporting Lisbon and becoming available on a free transfer.
However, last month the Chronicle refuted claims that Rafa Benitez remained interested in recruiting the 29-year-old, with the club having moved on to other targets.
It is believed that both Dost’s signing on fee and his wages would have proved a major stumbling block to signing the striker. Since then though, moves for both Salomon Rondon and Alassane Plea have also failed to materialise.
In the Frenchman’s case, our £20m offer was rejected by his club Nice, and it is believed he is now close to a £22m move to Borussia Monchengladbach.
With Rondon, the club do remain interested, but there has been hesitation over triggering the Venezuelan international’s £16.5m release clause as they believe agent fees could move the cost to above £20m.
With that all being said then, a move for Dost doesn’t seem as costly. The Dutchman remains a free agent after talks with Fenerbahce reportedly broke down. His goalscoring record is also excellent with 70 in 90 matches during his time in Portugal. Although an inferior league, it still compares favourably to Rondon’s 28 in 120 appearances for the Baggies.
What do you think? Should we go back in for the Dutch striker? Let me know in the poll: