2014/15 was certainly something of a disappointing campaign for Newcastle United and the St. James’ faithful. Quite frankly, that is putting it rather lightly to say the least.

After failing to adequately replace Alan Pardew in the manager’s dug-out midway through the season, publically suffering an unforgivable eight game losing streak to the great detriment of their loyal fan-base – and just about narrowly avoiding the threat of relegation on the final day – the determined Tynesiders ultimately have a lot to contend with ahead of the 2015/16 campaign.

Ill-fated former England boss Steve McClaren has now been tasked with repairing the Magpies throughout the coming months as Newcastle United look to rise up from the low ebb that largely defined last season’s shortcomings.

He may not be the ideal managerial candidate most of the Geordie supporters ever wanted in the first place, but as the ex-Middlesbrough, FC Twente and Derby coach has reportedly set his sights on Wolfsburg’s in-from Dutch striker, Bas Dost, this transfer window, perhaps a brighter future may ultimately await Newcastle going into the new season after all.

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However, as Borussia Dortmund - among several others - have also supposedly registered an interested in signing the centre-forward this summer, do Steve McClaren’s new club really stand a chance of signing Bas Dost with all things considered?

At this stage in the proceedings, such an ambitious move ultimately doesn’t look too likely. The recently appointed head coach in the St. James’ dug-out may have had a partially successful time in the Dutch Eredivisie after his much documented poor form with the England national team, yet even with that in mind, it would seem somewhat strange for the 26-year-old striker to up and leave the Bundesliga for unpredictable circus at Newcastle United this summer.

VfL Wolfsburg were only bested by the formidable Bayern Munich throughout the 2014/15 domestic campaign, and with Bas Dost going down as the club’s top goal-scorer last season with an impressive 16 recorded finishes, now would seemingly arrive as an unusual moment for the German outfit to want to sell their main man in the striking department. The Dutchman looks to have everything set up for him with Dieter Hecking’s side at this particular stage.

Alongside the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Ivan Perisic last season, Die Wolfe proved a distinctly effective team with Bas Dost leading the line. His aerial prowess in the final third, clever movement across the pitch, and clear ability to remain calm in front of goal certainly turned the Wolfsburg front-line into a really dangerous threat for the rest of the Bundesliga to deal with throughout 2014/15 - as many of his opposing defenders ultimately failed to keep him quiet across the previous campaign.

With Champions League football also on the cards for Wolfsburg going into the new season, how can Mike Ashley’s famously questionable way of running things behind the scenes at Newcastle ever attract a player like Bas Dost in the cold light of day?

The Premier League will admittedly always prove an alluring proposition for any striker plying their trade in European football – but with the Magpies just about avoiding another trip back down to the Championship last season – Steve McClaren surely doesn’t stand much chance of landing the in-form Dutchman.

Borussia Dortmund, even with the clear drop in form experienced at the Westfalenstadion last season, still command a strong reputation within the current footballing climate, and could certainly offer the 26-year-old forward a better proposition going into the new campaign should he desperately want to move on from his current employers next term.

With the prospect of spending large amounts of cash in the summer transfer window also proving an extreme rarity on Tyneside in recent seasons, it remains difficult to picture Bas Dost turning out at St. James’ next season with all things considered.

However, as West Ham have reportedly taken poll position in the race to sign QPR’s Charlie Austin in recent weeks – a striker who the Magpies supposedly labelled as their no. 1 target this summer – perhaps Steve McClaren will ultimately have no choice but to move for the Wolfsburg favourite as he looks to rebuild this current Newcastle squad ahead of the 2015/16 campaign.

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