Betis close in on Newcastle’s Merino

Real Betis are confident of closing in on a deal for Newastle United midfielder Mikel Merino, according to reports in the Spanish press.

The 21-year-old joined the Magpies from Borussia Dortmund last summer but started only 14 matches in England’s top flight and his exit would be sanctioned.

ABC de Sevilla and Sevilla Info both report that the player has met with Betis vice president Lorenzo Serra Ferrer and Coach Quique Setien, with the meetings said to be productive.

Merino left Osasuna in 2016 but made only two starts in the Bundesliga for Dortmund and now is said to want to return to La Liga, with Athletic Bilbao also holding an interest.

Bahía Internacional represent the Pamplona native and are said to have met with Betis representatives last week to attempt to speed up a deal.

An agreement with the English club is now the one outstanding criteria, say the reports.

Image via @NUFC

Tags Mikel Merino Newcastle United
La Liga - Club News