Merino set for Athletic switch?

Athletic Bilbao are hopeful of signing Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino this week, according to reports in the Spanish press.

The 21-year-old Spaniard only made his loan move to the English club permanent from Borussia Dortmund in October, but Marca state the Magpies ‘are willing to listen to offers’.

The deal which took Merino to St. James’s Park was worth €7m, while Athletic are keen to strengthen as central defender Aymeric Laporte looks set to join Manchester City for €70m.

The Basque giants are set to complete the signing of Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez for €32m after triggering his release clause, but have more funds to spend.

Merino has only started 12 league games for Newcastle this season and now looks set to move to La Liga.

Image via @NUFC

Tags Mikel Merino Newcastle United
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