MADRID, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Newly promoted Malaga continued preparations for its return to La Liga by signing midfielder Carlos Dotor on loan from Celta Vigo for a second consecutive season, the club announced on Tuesday.

Dotor returns to Malaga after helping the southern Spanish club end its top-flight exile by winning promotion from the second division last season.

The 25-year-old made 40 appearances for Malaga last season, scoring one goal and providing four assists. He became increasingly influential after Juanfran Funes was appointed first-team coach in November, prompting Funes to bring him back for the club's return to the top flight.

"The footballer will immediately join in the pre-season training sessions," the report said, adding that Dotor "arrived at Malaga a year ago and gave excellent performances last season and was vital in the historic promotion to La Liga."