Sevilla are keen on signing Newcastle United duo Mikel Merino and Florian Lejeune, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper claim that the Spanish club have informed Merino that they’re keen to bring him back to Spain in order to make themselves the fourth La Liga side in the hunt for his services.
The Chronicle report Rafa Benitez would like to keep the 21-year-old midfielder and will not allow him to leave unless a replacement is brought in first.
Good move for Newcastle United?
Sort of, at the very least the Spanish side plotting a double raid of the Magpies is flattering.
Merino leaving seems inevitable at this point as his representatives are actively trying to find him a new club but the Magpies must hold on to Lejeune.
The defender may according to this report be Sevilla’s top centre-back target this summer but they will be fools to let him go as he is an important player in the first-team set-up.
The Chronicle’s report states that in regards to selling Merino the club will demand a fee in excess of £10million with Real Sociedad having already offered £10million for his services.
So with Sevilla, Sociedad, Real Betis and Athletic Bilbao all keen on the midfielder, the Magpies could see a bidding war occur which would significant boost their transfer kitty from his sale.
This Is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
Merino’s exit looks destined to happen as the Chronicle now claim that Benitez has privately acknowledges that he can’t keep a player determined to leave.
The Magpies manager therefore will reluctantly let the midfielder leave however the newspaper state that the club is willing to fight to keep Lejeune at the club.
Benitez sees the 27-year-old centre-back as a key member of his first-team and as he is believed to be happy at St James Park then there is no reason for his exit to be sanctioned anytime soon.
Therefore it seems Sevilla definitely won’t be able to sign Lejeune and have a task on their hands convincing Merino to join them as he has a host of admirers.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10