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Diego Rolan wanted Newcastle United move – and has now been relegated

Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St. James Park on April ...
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Diego Rolan had his heart set on a move to the Premier League and Newcastle United last summer but instead signed for La Liga outfit Malaga.

Bordeaux's Uruguyan forward Diego Rolan (R) celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match Bordeaux (FCGB) vs Montpellier (MHSC) on March 18, 2017 at the Matmut...

Another year, another chance Newcastle United missed to sign Diego Rolan.

The Uruguayan forward had been heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park during his time in France with Bordeaux, with The Mirror claiming in 2015 that The Magpies had made a bid of £11 million after he netted 15 times in 36 Ligue 1 games.

And, with Newcastle linked again last summer, the Northern Echo stated that Rolan had delayed a potential move to Fulham because he was waiting for an offer from Rafa Benitez’s side.

Newcastle United's Spanish manager Rafael Benitez (R) gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James'...

Almost a year on, Rolan might be wishing that a long-awaited move to Tyneside had occurred, because he has just endured a nightmare season over in Spain with Malaga.

In truth, Rolan has enjoyed a decent time on an personal level even though he has just five goals to his name, one of which came in a recent clash with Real Madrid at La Rosaleda.

But if only all the Malaga players possessed the 25-year-old’s touch of class. Last week, the 2013 Champions League quarter-finalists were relegated from La Liga after a last-gasp defeat to Levante – despite there being five games left to play at the time.

Real Madrid's Spanish defender Dani Carvajal (L) vies with Malaga's Uruguayan forward Diego Rolan during the Spanish league footbal match between Malaga CF and Real Madrid CF at La...

It’s been an awful campaign – culminating in relegation to the second tier for only the second time in the club’s history. Malaga have won just five of their 34 games, picking up 20 points, and are now 17 points adrift of the safety mark.

This wasn’t in the brochure when Rolan arrived last summer.