There is news in Germany that Newcastle are getting close to signing Wolfsburg striker Bas Dost,  but not particularly good news today that Wolfsburg head coach Dieter Hecking  is advising his striker against a move to Tyneside.

Hecking wants Bas Dost to stay at Wolfsburg and play in the Champions League next season – something he cannot do at Newcastle United for the foreseeable future – make that a long time.

Bas Dost with Dieter Hecking – advised against moving to Newcastle

This is what Hecking has said today in waz-online:

“Why does Bas want to go there?” “He can play in the next season’s Champions League with us.”

“”He will not be able to do that next season at Newcastle nor probably in the following season at Newcastle.”

“We don’t want to let any of our players go.”

Well those comments are not going to help Newcastle get Bas Dost to Tyneside, but we suppose it’s understandable Dieter wants to keep his squad together for the big challenge in the Champions League next season.

Wolfsburg had a great season last term, helped by Dost’s 16 goals,  and finished second to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.

Borussia Dortmund are the other club said to be interested in signing the 6’5″ striker, but reports have Newcastle as the (even firm)  favorites to sign him.

Dieter Hecking has a point about the Champions League – there’s no way Newcastle will be anywhere near the top four in England, and it’s extremely difficult to qualify for the Champions League, let alone the Europa League.

Let’s hope we can still sign the striker.

Comments welcome.