Newcastle are reportedly pressing ahead with plans for a permanent deal for Mikel Merino.
According to The Chronicle, Newcastle United are already making plans to try and make Mikel Merino’s loan move from Borussia Dortmund permanent in January.
The Magpies swooped to sign Merino on a season-long loan deal in July after a frustrating season for the Spaniard, as he played just eight league games for Dortmund having signed from Osasuna in 2016.
Merino, 21, has impressed Newcastle fans with his play in front of the Newcastle defence, exhibiting quality on the ball as well as the ability to break up play.
The Spaniard again impressed against Brighton and Hove Albion this afternoon despite a 1-0 defeat, and it seems that manager Rafael Benitez is making plans to sign him permanently.
The Chronicle report that Newcastle and Benitez want to secure a permanent deal for Merino when the January transfer window opens, despite already having a permanent clause inserted in the deal.
As reported by The Chronicle last month, Merino’s deal will be turned permanent for £6.5million once he plays 20 competitive games, but Newcastle are set to open talks with Dortmund over signing him anyway if he doesn’t reach that tally by January.
The fear may be that another club could come in and offer a huge fee in January to try and prise Merino away from Dortmund before he reaches 20 appearances for Newcastle, or he could suffer an injury before reaching 20 games, opening him up to the rest of the market.
Having enjoyed his time in the North East so far though, Merino may well fancy staying at St. James’ Park, and fans would certainly love to see him commit his long-term future to the Magpies.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
