Could Newcastle land better bargain than Mikel Merino deal by targeting Gorka Guruzeta?

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Newcastle United could reportedly join the race to sign Bilbao Athletic striker Gorka Guruzeta.

With almost every transfer record seemingly being rewritten in recent years, there can surely be no question that Newcastle spending £9.2 million on Mikel Merino – £2.7 million on the initial loan, and £6.5 million on making the deal permanent, according to the Chronicle – has to go down as one of the most impressive bargains from any Premier League club in recent years.

Merino has been a revelation, and at 21, he should only get better as he gains more experience and continues to get used to the English top flight.

But perhaps there is the slightest chance that the Magpies could pull off an even better deal amid speculation linking them with a move for Bilbao Athletic striker Gorka Guruzeta.

The Sun reports that Rafa Benitez is an admirer of the 21-year-old and could be tempted to join the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal in the race to sign Guruzeta.

Unlike Merino, Guruzeta is much more unproven at senior level, but the terms that would be required to make a deal happen surely ensures that it could be an even greater bargain.

According to The Sun, the forward is out of contract in the summer and will be available on a free transfer – though any English side will have to pay compensation to Athletic.

Guruzeta has scored six goals in 14 games this season and he would be joining a Newcastle side that desperately needs a goalscorer if the Magpies joined the race and secured his signature.

The mooted takeover at St James’ Park may enable Newcastle to spend more money on the playing squad than they have done in a long time, but even if the new owners are able to splash the cash, looking for the potential gems should a hugely important part of their transfer strategy, and in Guruzeta there appears to be the makings of a definite gem.