Bordeaux President Confirms Newcastle Have "Been In Contact" For 15-Goal Striker

NUFC's interest in Rolan has been firmed up by Bordeaux's president.

By Chris Waugh /

Bordeaux's president has confirmed that Newcastle United have "been in contact" about the availability of striker Diego Rolan this summer. Yet Aston Villa are hoping to pip the Magpies to the signing of Bordeaux forward Diego Rolan after reportedly offering £12.6 million for the Uruguayan. Interestingly though, Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud only mentioned Newcastle's interest when he was interviewed by Mercato365. He said:
"There has been contact with Newcastle - but never directly with us, only through various intermediaries. "With Newcastle I suppose you could say there is some truth in their interest."
Uruguayan publication Republica claimed on Thursday that the Magpies saw a £9.1 million bid rebuffed last month and have now seen their offer superseded by their Premier League rivals. Tim Sherwood is believed to be targeting Rolan as one of two strikers he intends to bring in to replace Christian Benteke, who has signed for Liverpool in a £32.5 million deal. Newcastle, meanwhile, may see the 22-year-old as a versatile option to play either through the middle or out wide - and Stoke City also have an interest in the forward. Interestingly, TalkSport claimed earlier this month that the Magpies had seen a £13 million - plus Remy Cabella on loan - offer for the Uruguay international rebuffed because Bordeaux are determined not to lose their star player this summer. Despite Aleksandar Mitrovic having already arrived from Anderlecht, the club also want another forward. Six-cap Uruguay international Rolan, who has scored one goal to date for his country and played at the 2015 Copa America this summer, moved to France from Defensor Sporting in 2013 after an impressive South American Youth Championship and he has continued to improve at Bordeaux. A return of 17 goals from 61 league games is decent, while the 22-year-old also has the pace to operate as a wide forward or even as a winger. Incredibly, 15 of those 17 strikes came during the 2014-15 season - so it seems Rolan has really kicked on in recent months. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.