Report: Merino exit from Newcastle is close for eight-figure sum

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Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino is close to joining Real Sociedad.

Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino could reportedly return to his homeland Spain by the weekend to join La Liga outfit Real Sociedad.

Sky Sports have claimed on their Transfer Centre blog (3:54pm, Thursday 5 July) that the Spanish club have agreed to activate his £10million release clause and that the transfer is close to completion.

The Chronicle reported on Tuesday that Merino’s switch to Sociedad was “far from complete”, despite the fact they were willing to meet his release clause and that he had a agreed a five-year deal in principle.

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There was a suggestion that it could take weeks before the player departed St James’ Park, but the latest update suggests a deal is drawing closer.

Merino only made his move to Newcastle permanent last season after impressing during the early stages of a loan spell from Borussia Dortmund.

However, he looks set for a quick departure from the North East and suffered in the second half of last season due to fierce competition in the centre of the park, with Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame forming a solid partnership at his expense.

Merino, 22, is a deep-lying playmaker that appears to be on the verge of a return to Spain and his style of football should blend well with La Liga.

The left-footed central midfielder certainly has the potential to become a real fan favourite at Newcastle and it will be interesting to see how they take his potential exit.

Manager Rafael Benitez already has a replacement for him moving into the next campaign, as ex-Swansea City midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng has joined this summer on a free transfer.