Newcastle United are willing to green light the exit of Mikel Merino if they make a healthy profit on the £7million spent on signing him last summer, according to the Chronicle.
The Newcastle based publication claim that the Magpies have got an exciting month of transfers lined up with some “interesting” names on Rafael Benitez’s shortlist, but that a lack of funds could again hinder his hopes of bringing in hit top targets.
With the sale of players likely to play a big part of how much the Spaniard is given to spend, it is said that 6’1″ star (sourse: Transfermarkt) Merino could be allowed to leave if a club offers a significant fee for his capture, having turned a loan deal from Borussia Dortmund into a permanent move last year.
Good move for Newcastle?
If Merino’s exit does come about this summer, it will likely divide fans down the middle at St James’ Park.
He looked a real talent when he first arrived on the scene and the Toon Army could not believe they had managed to prise him away from the German club.
However, injuries seem to have taken their toll and he did not look like the same player in the second half of the campaign, which could have supporters wondering whether taking a big money cheque for his signing would be worthwhile.
This summer is his chance to prove himself and become a mainstay in the first team, and it should really be a massive fee if the Magpies are going to let the 21-year-old go this summer.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10
Likely to happen?
With Mike Ashley at the helm, you know he is going to ease out every single penny possible from a transfer, and that could work in Newcastle’s favour.
There may well be interest in signing him up but dealing with the Sports Direct chief and his right hand man Lee Charnley in negotiations is likely to ward off many with the Magpies’ demands.
It would have to be a big spender for Newcastle to let him leave, and that seems unlikely after his issues over the past couple of months.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10