Newcastle United are willing to sell Mikel Merino in the summer, according to AS.
The Spanish newspaper claim that after previously refusing to sell the 21-year-old midfielder, the Magpies are open to the idea of cashing in on him and could sell him for £13million.
AS report that Athletic Bilbao are planning on bidding for Merino, despite having three offers previously rejected.
The Spanish club, who sit 13th in La Liga, are very keen to sign the defensive midfielder as they want to shore up their defence.
It is believed that the Magpies need the money and with Merino only making six appearances in 2018, he could leave the club.
AS’s report also states that Valencia, Real Betis, Osasuna, Cologne and Hamburg have all previously shown interest in the midfielder, but it is Bilbao that are likely to bid.
Good move for Newcastle?
No.
The 21-year-old is a sensational player and made a great start to life at St James’ Park after joining on loan in the summer from Borussia Dortmund.
So much so that the Magpies acted quickly to sign him permanently in October, according to the BBC, and handed him a five-year contract.
While it’s true that Merino has struggled to feature lately, the Magpies can’t afford to write off the young midfielder just yet. He is also a huge fans favourite, and the natives would be in uproar if he left.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10
Likely to happen?
It’s hard not to belief AS’ report as it’s very easy to believe that Merino could leave.
Merino, despite making 22 appearances this season, is currently out of the team and it’s hard to see the Magpies turning down £15million for any of their players.
However with the 21-year-old have ages left in his contract, it’s hard to say with certainty that the Magpies will cash in.
If Rafa Benitez’s side suffer relegation, then the chances of this deal happening increase.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10