Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino has only recently made his loan to St. James’ Park a permanent transfer.
The 21-year-old has set the Premier League alight with a number of commanding performances from the middle of the park for Rafa Benitez’s side, even scoring the winner in a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace.
Benitez signed the Spain Under-21 international in the summer on a season-long loan from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, before quickly confirming a permanent deal for the youngster just a matter of months later.
Merino has signed a five-year contract at St. James’ Park, but that has not stopped three La Liga big guns throwing their name into the ring for Merino’s signature.
The report claims that Newcastle would not sell Merino for less than £17.6million, as they have identified a replacement for their star midfielder already.
Italian outlet Calciomercato claims the Toon are interested in Atlanta United playmaker Miguel Almiron, who El Gol Digital report is being lined-up to replace Merino if the latter does indeed leave.
Known for his height in central midfield as well as intricate forward passing, Merino is certainly showing bags of promise but Newcastle are under no pressure to sell the youngster after he put pen to paper on his Toon contract in October.
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