Rafa Benitez has reportedly sent scouts to Germany in an attempt to find another Mikel Merino.
Rafael Benitez and Roy Hodgson during Saturday’s 1-0 win at St. James’ Park.
Rafa Benitez has reportedly sent his Newcastle scouting team to Germany in order to scour the Bundesliga for potential talent ahead of the January transfer window.
The Toon boss has been mightily impressed with the form of midfielder Mikel Merino, who joined earlier this summer on a season-long loan from Borussia Dortmund which has since turned into a permanent deal.
The Evening Chronicle claims that Benitez wants to mirror the kind of coup that saw Newcastle claim the signature of Merino for just £7million, and has sent his spies to Germany in order to do just that.
Mikel Merino has impressed so far.
Merino, 21, broke into the Newcastle side following the suspension of Jonjo Shelvey who was sent off in the Toon’s first game, resulting in a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham.
The 10-time Spain Under-21 international has remained in the side since then, partnering Isaac Hayden and Shelvey on occasion before coming off the bench last time out to score against Crystal Palace.
Merino sent the St. James’ Park faithful into meltdown with an 86th-minute winner, leaping highest to head a powerful effort past Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni.
It is Merino’s form that Benitez wants to see more of on Tyneside, and the former Liverpool boss believes scouting Germany will hopefully provide them with a list of talents that they can sign in January or even next summer.
Merino is now likely to be handed a start for the Toon against Burnley in Newcastle’s next Premier League clash, as they travel to Turf Moor ahead of the Monday night clash.
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