Newcastle Transfer News: Magpies Favourites To Sign 20-Goal Holland Forward

Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund are tied in a two-way battle to sign Bas Dost - and reports claim the Magpies are now favourites to prise the Dutch striker away from Wolfsburg. Dutch outlet Voetbal International claim that the 26-year-old has made it clear to the Wolfsburg board - who he does not get along with anyway - that he will seek pastures new during the upcoming transfer window. They also maintain that the Magpies hope to conclude a £9 million deal for the two-cap Holland international in the coming days in order to ensure they capture Dost's signature.

Long-tracked by Newcastle€™s chief scout Graham Carr, Dost bagged an impressive 16 goals in the Bundesliga last season as Wolfsburg finished second behind champions Bayern Munich. With new head coach Steve McClaren having been promised two forwards this summer, it appears as if a move for Dost will not have any impact on the Magpies€™ pursuit of Queens Park Rangers strker Charlie Austin, although price could put paid to any such deal. Dost is a potential signing who would certainly show a statement of intent by the club as they would be purchasing one of the leading marksmen in Europe last season. Having managed to get on the scoresheet 20 times in 36 appearances in 2014-15, Dost would add firepower to a Magpies side that was severely lacked in such a department last season. Also, with Dost standing at 6ft 5in tall, he would also offer a physical presence and a variety to the Newcastle attack - something they have lacked since Andy Carroll moved to Liverpool in 2011. It€™s now just about the Magpies hierarchy convincing Dost that St James€™ Park - and not the Westfalenstadion - is the destination for him€ For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.