Newcastle United have been rebuffed in their first offer for Uruguay forward Diego Rolan - with Bordeaux dismissing the Magpies' reported £11 million bid as "completely inappropriate". French publication Sud Ouest claim the Magpies have made an opening offer of 15 million for Rolan but that the "terms that arise from the payment" are "completely inappropriate" for Bordeaux. The 22-year-old, who is also being tracked by Sevilla, Malaga and Stoke City, is believed to be keen to move to England, however, and he is seen by the Magpies as being an ideal second striker. Despite Queens Park Rangers' Austin and Wolfsburg forward Bas Dost topping Newcastles striking priority list, the club are ensuring they do have back-up options in place should neither deal come to fruition. Although Newcastle have expanded their horizons recently, the French market remains chief scout Graham Carrs favourite hunting ground - and Bordeaux forward Rolan has certainly pricked his interest. The six-cap Uruguay international, 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.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
